- Lead the Akebono Production System (APS) through continuous improvement by identifying and eliminating waste based on standardized work while focusing on linear, incremental improvements within the process.
Essential Duties / Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive continuous improvement strategy aligned with organizational goals.
- Identify opportunities for improvement across processes, workflows, and systems.
- Lead Lean Manufacturing projects to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and improve quality.
- Conduct Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen events, and root cause analyses.
- Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and measure the success of improvement initiatives.
- Prepare and present regular reports on process improvement metrics and achievements.
- Provide training to employees at all levels on Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement tools.
- Mentor and coach team members to foster a problem-solving mindset.
- Collaborate with production, quality, supply chain, and other departments to identify and implement best practices.
- Facilitate communication between teams to ensure alignment and shared goals.
- Lead efforts to instill a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
- Support employees in adopting new processes and sustaining changes.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Preference will be given to those candidates who have achieved a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in a technical field of study.
- Six (+) years of technical knowledge of manufacturing processes in an automotive supplier work environment.
SPECIAL SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE DESIRED:
- Proven ability to work in a positive team environment is required.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Good personal computer knowledge using Microsoft Office software and QAD.
- Must be able to demonstrate good decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Must be willing to work any shift needed to support the needs of the business.
- Proficiency in continuous improvement tools (e.g., DMAIC, PDCA, 5S, Kanban).
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools such as Excel, Power BI, or Minitab.
Top Skills
What We Do
Akebono was founded over 90 years ago, and continues to provide the world’s automotive industry with advanced braking and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation, process improvement, quality control and customer service has positioned it as a key resource for leading OEMs, Tier I brake suppliers and the automotive aftermarket. Key automotive OEM customers include Audi, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen. Akebono manufactures a wide range of brake friction materials and foundation brake assemblies, including disc brake calipers and drum brakes, employing the Akebono Production System (APS). This business approach features proven quality control techniques to guarantee minimal process variation in all phases of production. Embraced throughout the organization, APS enables the company to consistently achieve nearly zero defects per million parts produced. Akebono operates R&D technical centers in the United States, Japan and France, and manufactures brake friction materials and components in 30 wholly owned or affiliated facilities worldwide. This includes four production facilities in Kentucky, Tennessee and South Carolina. All of Akebono’s operations have secured appropriate QS9000 and ISO14001 certifications, and the company has received a number of quality and performance awards from customers. Worldwide, a total of 8,279 people are employed by Akebono; 3,054 in North America. In 2012, the company’s worldwide sales totaled $2.1 billion (US). North American sales totaled just over $1 billion (US). Akebono has a proud legacy of achieving Japanese technological firsts. From its inception, Akebono initiated overseas technical tie-ups and offshore production. All of these activities stem from the constant demands of improving quality and increasing customer satisfaction.
