What are the responsibilities and job description for the Continuous Improvement Program Manager, eDrive/Driveline Manufacturing position at GKN Automotive?
Build a Better Future in Motion
GKN Automotive is accelerating the future of mobility with advanced eDrive and driveline systems. We believe progress is powered by people who turn ideas into repeatable, scalable standards. As our Continuous Improvement Program Manager, you’ll unify two plants, elevate machining productivity, and embed a culture of excellence.
The Mission
Champion multi-plant standardization while delivering cost reduction, production optimization, and hands-on leadership. You’ll translate insights from the shop floor into Lean solutions, then anchor those gains through clear communication and rigorous financial rationale.
What You’ll Do
- Standardize processes across two manufacturing sites to stabilize performance and quality.
- Lead Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence initiatives that increase throughput and reduce cost.
- Cut machining changeovers from their current 8–12 hour window and drive productivity improvements.
- Deploy Lean tools—Kaizen, line balancing, and standardization—to eliminate waste.
- Run data-driven shop floor analyses and propose pragmatic, measurable solutions.
- Serve as a hands-on, influential leader who aligns cross-functional teams.
- Present the technical case and financial ROI to justify and sustain change.
- Collaborate on project management activities to deliver results and maintain gains.
- Travel up to 10% for cross-plant coordination.
What You’ve Done
- Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related).
- Accumulated 10 years in automotive manufacturing (assembly or machining).
- Led Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence Systems (OMS) initiatives.
- Achieved Six Sigma certification.
- Improved cycle times, reduced changeovers, and lowered overtime.
- Worked with ePowertrain or driveline assembly/machining (preferred).
- Managed projects; prior manufacturing leadership experience is advantageous.
- Demonstrated financial acumen to evaluate cost savings and ROI.
- Used Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Project at an advanced level.
- Communicated effectively in advanced English.
How You Lead
- Inspire teams and manage performance with clarity and empathy.
- Think strategically, decide with confidence, and execute with discipline.
- Communicate crisply; thrive amid ambiguity and complexity.
Professional Proficiencies
- Project Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Lean Manufacturing Principles
- Experience in a Manufacturing Environment
If you’re driven by measurable impact and lasting systems change, you’ll thrive here.
Salary : $89,600 - $134,000