Continuous Improvement Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

In partnership with the Ironton Manufacturing Facility, the Continuous Improvement (VOS) Manager is responsible for the successful planning, development, and execution of continuous improvement programs within the Vertiv Operating System (VOS). This position provides oversight on all CI projects and the standardization of business-as-usual processes within the plant. The CI Manager will partner closely with the Plant Manager and leadership team to shape site strategy, develop plans, and execute performance improvement initiatives. The role is accountable for developing Lean capabilities of management and employees, creating sustainable models to drive daily problem-solving, coaching leaders, and embedding continuous improvement into site culture and daily operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates and supervises the daily activities of CI (VOS) coordinators and their support staff.
• Ensures alignment and adherence to the VOS methodology and framework, ensuring employees operate within VOS guidelines.
• Accountable for the administration and execution of VOS-related policies and procedures.
• Leads and drives change initiatives to improve safety, productivity, cost, and efficiency.
• Frequently interacts with subordinates, customers, and peer groups at various management levels, typically involving information exchange and problem resolution.
• Leads and is accountable for facility VOS communications, education, and training programs.
• Leads functional analysis including baseline of core business processes, financial analysis, and continuous measurement and improvement.
• Partners with the Regional/Global VOS leader to develop and deploy VOS strategy at the plant.
• Serves as right-hand resource to the Plant Manager and assigned function leaders.
• Works with assigned function leaders to define and set appropriate improvement targets, measure progress, and ensure accountability to results.
• Coaches, teaches, and develops leaders to build CI strategies, influence decision-making, and drive improvement initiatives within plant operations and functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in local language and English.
• Ability to influence and lead in a matrix organization to drive accountability and execution of VOS mindset and activities.
• Strong analytical skills, including the use of statistical modeling techniques, root cause analysis, and other problem-solving methods.
• Ability to apply and coach change management, behavior coaching, and performance management practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• 5 years or more of hands-on experience in the application of Lean/Six Sigma methods and continuous improvement systems.
• Six Sigma / Lean certification preferred.
• Previous experience leading teams and implementing continuous improvement strategies.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to work in an office and industrial manufacturing environment. Must be able to work in fluctuating temperatures ranging from 60° F to 95°F and sit, stand or walk for long periods. Must be able to wear all required PPE.  

TIME TRAVEL REQUIRED

• <5%