Plant Lean & Continuous Improvement Leader

Detroit Thermal Systems, LLC.; Romulus (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Detroit Thermal Systems seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead plant-wide CI and IE efforts across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP). This role standardizes IE processes and develops Manufacturing Engineers to build IE capability over time.

The position emphasizes Lean deployment, daily management, standard work, and waste elimination, while coaching cross-functional teams in Kaizen and problem-solving to drive measurable improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, or related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in manufacturing with CI and IE emphasis.
• Experience deploying Lean manufacturing systems and structured problem solving.
• Experience developing and implementing IE standards and processes.
• Proven ability to train, coach, and develop technical teams.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant-wide continuous improvement aligned to CI/Lean strategy to improve SQDCP performance targets.
• Drive implementation and sustainment of Lean manufacturing systems, including daily management, standard work, and waste elimination.
• Identify and eliminate operational losses using data, structured problem solving, and root cause analysis.
• Coach and lead cross-functional teams in Kaizen events, problem-solving workshops, and improvement projects.
• Establish and sustain KPI management systems, including tiered accountability and performance escalation processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, inventory reduction, flow optimization, and productivity improvement.
• Ensure alignment and integration of CI activities with plant operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain functions.
• Lead development of a continuous improvement culture through training, coaching, and leadership engagement.
• Track and report improvement initiatives with clear ownership, timelines, and measurable impact.

Skills

Lean principles

Continuous improvement

Kaizen events

Data analysis

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Job description

Detroit Thermal Systems seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead plant-wide CI and IE efforts across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP). This role standardizes IE processes and develops Manufacturing Engineers to build IE capability over time.

The position emphasizes Lean deployment, daily management, standard work, and waste elimination, while coaching cross-functional teams in Kaizen and problem-solving to drive measurable improvements.