What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Continuous Improvement position at Q Works Group?
Director of Continuous Improvement
Your Challenge
- Work closely with the regional COO or business group COO to build the CI network aligned with operational strategy
- Support Plant/Site Managers, APU Managers, and CI Managers in understanding and applying Lean strategies and tools
- Support production supervisors in understanding standard work adherence and their role in continuous improvement
- Ensure the CI Manager network is appropriately staffed and developed for success
- Manage the Plant/Site CI Manager network, including performance reviews, training plans, recruitment input, and Lean capability development
- Organize network meetings and on-the-job training
- Drive cross-site sharing of best practices within the region or division
- Ensure Lean principles are integrated into new projects at the appropriate stage
- Validate site Lean deployment plans against group directives, including Smart Factory / Industry 4.0 initiatives
- Support deployment of site improvement roadmaps and strategic priorities
- Identify opportunities for SQDICP performance improvement
- Deploy and track group initiatives across the region or division
- Ensure regular site presence to confirm alignment with priorities and execution standards
- Coach Plant/Site leadership teams on Lean implementation and production system development
- Conduct Gemba walks to verify Lean roadmap execution and follow-up progress plans
- Challenge site budgets and financial assumptions during planning phases
- Validate and track direct labor and equipment productivity improvement actions
- Ensure accurate Lean reporting across sites
- Contribute to development of Lean standards and tools
- Support Industry 4.0 / Smart Factory implementation
- Act as a developer of the Production System roadmap
- Participate in group Kaizen events, committees, and town halls
- Support special group initiatives as required
- Troubleshoot and support sites during operational or performance crises
- Review productivity initiatives and ensure alignment across business group sites
- Assess applicability of productivity ideas across multiple sites and drive standardization
- Ensure proper payback tracking for productivity projects
- Support workshops at internal sites and supplier locations to drive savings
- Continuously monitor top productivity initiatives across sites
- Organize monthly productivity review meetings
- Remove roadblocks to ensure timely execution of key projects
- Encourage idea generation and ensure proper escalation and tracking
- Benchmark internal and external best practices and drive deployment across sites
- Evaluate scalability of key projects across all sites
- Coach project managers in leading cost reduction workshops across materials, labor, packaging, transportation, and other cost drivers
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
- Lean manufacturing experience in automotive or similar industries (8 years)
- Strong background in purchasing, program management, manufacturing, and/or supply chain management
- ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) preferred
Targeted Attributes
- 10 years of Lean methodology experience (Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, Muda elimination, Standard Work, Cycle Time Balancing, SMED, TPM, Value Stream Mapping, Lean layout design, DFSS, etc.)
- Experience in Smart Factory / Industry 4.0 implementation (MES, e-Kanban, AGVs, robotics, etc.)
- Experience developing Lean training systems, tools, and methodologies
- Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with data-driven decision-making
- Excellent leadership and communication skills with ability to influence across all levels
- Strong change management capability and cultural transformation experience
- Proficiency in Lean tools and software (PowerPoint, Excel, AutoCAD, process mapping tools)
- Strong international mindset and ability to operate in a global organization
- Ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve continuous savings and performance improvement