Continuous Improvement Manager

Wauseon Machine / McAlister Design and Automation

$70K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
  • 5+ years of Lean transformation experience in machining or discrete manufacturing.
  • Experience leading Policy Deployment / Hoshin Kanri initiatives.
  • Track record of driving operational improvements like OTD, productivity, scrap reduction, and lead time.
  • Strong understanding of precision machining workflows and related processes.
  • Proficient in facilitating cross-functional Kaizen events.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.

Responsibilities

  • Lead enterprise-wide Lean transformation initiatives focusing on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity improvements.
  • Drive alignment of company KPIs with Policy Deployment and Strategy Deployment efforts.
  • Facilitate value stream mapping, Kaizen events, and structured problem-solving to enhance flow and reduce waste.
  • Establish and sustain Tiered Daily Management systems and visual management practices across operations.
  • Enhance operational performance in on-time delivery, capacity utilization, and production efficiency.
  • Implement standardized A3 problem-solving methodology and root cause analysis across departments.
  • Coach and mentor leaders and associates in Lean principles and accountability.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Involvement in strategic initiatives influencing company direction.
  • Chance to lead transformative changes in operational processes.
Full Job Description
Description

Core Responsibilities:
• Lead and execute enterprise-wide Lean transformation initiatives across machining, fabrication, and support functions to drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Serve as the strategic driver of Policy Deployment / Strategy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri), ensuring alignment between company KPIs, growth objectives, and daily execution.
• Facilitate value stream mapping (VSM), Kaizen events, 3P workshops, and structured problem-solving initiatives to improve flow, reduce waste, and increase throughput.
• Establish, strengthen, and sustain Tiered Daily Management systems (Tier 1-4) and visual management practices across operations.
• Improve operational performance related to on-time delivery (OTD), earned hours, setup reduction (SMED), capacity utilization, and overall production efficiency.
• Implement and standardize A3 problem-solving methodology and disciplined root cause analysis across departments.
• Develop, coach, and mentor leaders and frontline associates in Lean principles, standard work, and accountability.
• Identify and eliminate waste using 80/20 analysis to improve productivity, reduce lead times, and optimize resource utilization.
• Track, measure, and report improvement results, including cost savings, lead time reduction, margin improvement, and working capital gains.
• Ensure sustainability of improvements through audit cadence, follow-up routines, and accountability systems.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Executive Leadership to drive alignment and execution of continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of 5+ years of Lean transformation experience in a machining or discrete manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading Policy Deployment / Hoshin Kanri / Strategy Deployment initiatives.
• Proven success driving measurable operational improvements (OTD, productivity, scrap reduction, lead time, margin expansion).
• Strong understanding of precision machining workflows, setup reduction, routing, and spindle utilization.
• Experience facilitating cross-functional Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively from the shop floor to executive leadership.

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