Manufacturing Operations Leader - Lean & Continuous Improvement

Continental Industry; Halstead (KS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Immediate Benefits

Robust Total Rewards Package

Paid Time Off

Tuition Assistance

Employee Discounts

Competitive Bonus Programs

Employees 401k Match

Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment

Employee Assistance Program

Growth Opportunities

Job summary

Continental in the United States is seeking an experienced manufacturing operations leader to drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance across a high‑volume plant. This role oversees department managers and production operators, coaching Value Stream Managers and ensuring ISO/OSHA compliance while advancing Lean methods such as 5S, Standard Work, TPM, Heijunka, and Visual Management.

You will collaborate with HR, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to execute objectives,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Business, Quality Management, Lean Specialist, or a related field.
• 7+ years of operations management experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution and team development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing tools and philosophies.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Travel may be required to other plants and corporate meetings. Less than 10% travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate plant operations to achieve goals in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Drive performance metrics aligned with corporate and regional KPIs.
• Champion Continuous Improvement using tools such as 5S, Standard Work, TPM, Heijunka, Visual Management, and others.
• Collaborate with departments including HR, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to ensure timely execution of objectives.
• Follow up on action items, and drive plant-wide accountability.
• Facilitate implementation of new processes, materials, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Provide clear communication and conflict resolution across shifts while reinforcing a positive, change-ready culture.
• Coach and develop Value Stream Managers and support teams for optimal performance.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, OSHA, and company standards.

Skills

Operations leadership

Conflict resolution

Team development

Lean manufacturing

Microsoft Office

US work authorization

Travel up to 10%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Business, Quality Management, Lean Specialist, or related field

Job description

Continental in the United States is seeking an experienced manufacturing operations leader to drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance across a high‑volume plant. This role oversees department managers and production operators, coaching Value Stream Managers and ensuring ISO/OSHA compliance while advancing Lean methods such as 5S, Standard Work, TPM, Heijunka, and Visual Management.

You will collaborate with HR, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to execute objectives,