Snr CI Manager

Tenneco; Northville (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenneco is seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to lead global CI strategy across NVH manufacturing sites, embedding standard practices and delivering measurable safety, quality, cost, delivery and productivity improvements. The role partners with operations and leaders to align priorities and drive sustainable improvements across multiple sites and regions.

The role requires extensive experience in Lean, Six Sigma, and related methodologies, with the ability to build CI

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or related field required.
• MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, lean, and/or manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead global continuous improvement strategy and execution across manufacturing sites.
• Lead and align P3 initiatives across plants to support consistent deployment and performance.
• Lead manufacturing transformation projects to drive productivity and cost improvements.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives that improve productivity, reduce waste, and strengthen financial performance.
• Ensure continuous improvement systems, tools, and standard processes are deployed consistently.
• Partner with senior leadership to align CI priorities, resources, and execution plans.
• Identify process gaps and translate findings into corrective actions and implementation plans.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

A3 problem solving

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or related field

MBA

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Tenneco

At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values – radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win – or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.

With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we’re all about getting stuff done, so we can win.

How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.

Here, you’ll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you’re ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you’ll thrive here.

Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way.

Job Description – Snr. CI Manager

At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values–radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win–or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.

How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.

Here, you’ll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you’re ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you’ll thrive here.

Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way.

About The Role

The Global CI Director leads continuous improvement strategy and execution across NVH operations to strengthen operational excellence, standardization, and financial performance. This role is responsible for driving the elimination of non-value-added activity, embedding consistent business system practices, and building a sustainable culture of continuous improvement across multiple sites and regions. The position partners closely with operations and functional leaders to align continuous improvement priorities with business goals, accelerate execution, and deliver measurable results in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity. The position also leads and aligns P3 initiatives across plant operations while ensuring plant-level certification, standardization, and sustainability of continuous improvement practices. This role reports directly to the Snr. Director Operations, Manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead global continuous improvement strategy and execution across manufacturing and operational sites
• Lead and align P3 initiatives across plants to support consistent deployment, execution discipline, and operational performance
• Lead manufacturing transformation projects
• Drive operational excellence initiatives that improve productivity, reduce waste, and strengthen financial performance
• Ensure continuous improvement systems, tools, and standard processes are deployed consistently across the organization
• Partner with senior leadership to align CI priorities, resources, and execution plans with business objectives
• Lead cross-functional improvement efforts focused on safety, quality, cost, delivery, inventory, and throughput performance
• Identify process gaps, performance losses, and operational inefficiencies, then translate findings into clear corrective actions and implementation plans
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, value stream, and structured problem-solving methodologies to deliver sustainable results
• Establish, monitor, and communicate key CI metrics, reviews, and performance reporting
• Lead CI capability building through training, assessments, coaching, and development of continuous improvement resources
• Ensure plant-level certification requirements are established, tracked, and sustained to reinforce standard work, capability, and continuous improvement maturity
• Support plant, regional, and global teams in driving standardization, best-practice sharing, and execution discipline
• Participate in long-range operational planning, including footprint, expansion, and consolidation activities that improve cost and performance
• Develop resource plans, budgets, and strategic plans for areas of responsibility
• Lead, coach, and develop direct reports while strengthening succession planning and team capability
• Ensure compliance with company policies, governance requirements, and applicable laws and regulations

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, engineering, or a related field required
• MBA preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, lean, and/or manufacturing operations
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification required
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Kaizen, Standard Work, A3, 8D, and other structured improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional improvement initiatives across complex, multi-site operations
• Strong business and operational acumen, with the ability to connect process improvements to financial performance
• Experience building CI systems, governance, metrics, and capability across regions or multiple facilities
• Proven leadership ability in coaching teams, driving accountability, and leading organizational change
• Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to work effectively in a matrixed global organization
• Experience in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, or similarly complex industrial environments preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications required

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 30-40%

We don’t want average. We want exceptional. We want someone who’s hungry to build, unafraid to challenge, and bold enough to lead with empathy, speed, and precision. Sound like you? Let us know.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities