What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operational Excellence Manager — Machining & Assembly Systems position at GKN Automotive?
Ready to Drive Change at Scale?
GKN Automotive leads the way in eDrive and driveline technologies. We’re looking for an Operational Excellence expert who loves complex manufacturing challenges and can harmonize standards across two plants while lifting productivity and reducing cost.
Is This You?
- Do you instinctively see how to standardize processes across different sites without losing local strengths?
- Can you reduce machining changeovers that currently sit in the 8–12 hour range?
- Are you energized by Kaizen, line balancing, and codifying best practices into standard work?
- Will you communicate improvements with compelling technical and financial evidence?
What You’ll Tackle
- Lead Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence programs that cut cost and improve flow.
- Deliver machining productivity improvements and reduction of changeover times.
- Run data-driven shop floor diagnostics and implement measurable, sustainable solutions.
- Model hands-on leadership to influence cross-functional teams and sustain momentum.
- Embed Lean tools (Kaizen, line balancing, standardization) into daily operations.
- Partner across functions and support project management to land initiatives on time.
- Travel up to 10% to coordinate and align both plants.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s in Engineering: Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or similar.
- 10 years of automotive manufacturing experience (assembly or machining).
- Depth in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence Systems (OMS).
- Six Sigma certification.
- Track record in cycle time optimization, changeover reduction, and trimming overtime.
- Exposure to ePowertrain or driveline assembly/machining (preferred).
- Project management experience; prior manufacturing leadership a plus.
- Financial savvy to assess ROI and cost-saving opportunities.
- Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Project proficiency.
- Advanced English communication skills.
How You Work
- Lead with clarity, coach teams, and elevate performance.
- Think strategically, decide decisively, and manage outcomes.
- Navigate ambiguity with resilience and strong communication.
Core Proficiencies
- Project Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Lean Manufacturing Principles
- Experience in a Manufacturing Environment
Join us and help set a new standard for operational excellence across our plants.
Salary : $89,600 - $134,000