Continuous Improvement Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: The Continuous Improvement Manager will report directly to the Vice President of Operations and play a crucial role in driving operational excellence throughout our manufacturing facilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in continuous improvement methodologies, factory hourly training, and site safety programs. The Continuous Improvement Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, develop strategies, and implement sustainable solutions that align with the company's goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Continuous Improvement:
   • Develop and implement strategies to drive continuous improvement initiatives across all departments.
   • Collaborate cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and waste elimination.
   • Utilize Lean principles and other methodologies to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
   • Facilitate cross-functional workshops and Kaizen events to foster innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration.
   • Provide guidance and support to project teams in the execution of improvement projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines.
   • Drive a culture of continuous improvement by promoting awareness, engagement, and participation at all levels of the organization.
   • Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in continuous improvement to drive innovation and competitiveness.

1. Factory Hourly Training:
   • Design and deliver training programs for hourly employees to improve their technical skills, operational knowledge, and overall performance.
   • Collaborate with department managers to assess training needs and develop customized training plans.
   • Monitor training effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary to ensure continuous improvement in employee capabilities.

1. Site Safety Program:
   • Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive site safety program in compliance with industry regulations and company standards.
   • Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and recommend corrective actions.
   • Provide safety training to employees, promote a culture of safety awareness, and drive continuous improvement in safety performance metrics.
   • Promote and uphold a strong safety culture in the workplace. Observe established safety regulations and procedures.

• Quality Commitment: Assist the organization with establishing practices that align with ISO 9001 & 14001 requirements.
• Other duties, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience with 4 years in leading continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing, supply chain, or service environment.
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Agile.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs, particularly for hourly employees, is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, risk assessment methodologies, and safety program management.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating cross-functional teams and driving change management initiatives.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results within tight deadlines.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (e.g., Green Belt, Black Belt) is highly desirable.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises employees in the CI Operations Area. Performs supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and solving problems.

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 61,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces – physical and virtual – safer, more secure, and easier to access.

As an employer, we value results – not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions – supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.

As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.