The Process Improvement Manager is responsible for improving and scaling manufacturing operations through the optimization of people, processes, equipment, systems, and resources. This role partners closely with Production, Scheduling, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Procurement, and Executive Leadership to improve safety, quality, delivery performance, productivity, capacity utilization, and profitability. This role can and will be utilized in a variety of business units and may be asked to step in to assist or lead Production Management, if necessary, throughout the organization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Partner with Production, Scheduling, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Executive Leadership to identify opportunities to improve operational performance and manufacturing efficiency.
- Evaluate manufacturing operations to identify bottlenecks, capacity constraints, inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve throughput and delivery performance.
- Develop and implement process improvements that increase throughput, reduce lead times, improve equipment utilization, and optimize labor efficiency.
- Analyze production metrics and operational data to identify trends, establish performance benchmarks, and prioritize improvement opportunities.
- Facilitate cross-functional teams in identifying root causes of operational issues and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
- Drive implementation of visual management, standard work, process controls, and performance management systems.
- Work closely with Scheduling and Production leadership to improve production flow, resource allocation, and capacity utilization throughout the manufacturing process.
- Evaluate manufacturing layouts, material flow, and equipment utilization to enhance operational performance and minimize waste.
- Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of improvement initiatives and communicate results to leadership.
- Support capital equipment evaluations and investments through capacity analysis, utilization studies, and return-on-investment assessments.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Production teams to support new product introductions and ensure manufacturability and operational efficiency.
- Drive standardization of manufacturing processes and best practices across business units and departments.
- Provide coaching, training, and mentorship to managers, supervisors, and team members regarding continuous improvement principles and methodologies.
- Promote a culture of operational excellence, accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Maintain a strong focus on workplace safety, quality standards, and regulatory compliance while pursuing operational improvements.
- Participate in improving our products, processes, equipment, systems, and methods.
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment at all times.
- Continually look for ways to improve job efficiency and performance.
- Perform all reasonably related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- At least 7 years progressively more responsible experience
- A professional level of knowledge in a specialized field equivalent to that ordinarily acquired through completing a five-year baccalaureate program or two years of post-bachelor’s degree work.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be eligible to work on programs subject to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations).
Plascore is an established global manufacturer of honeycomb core, composite structures, and cleanrooms. Plascore's lightweight, industrial strength, honeycomb technology is utilized for a multitude of applications within the aerospace, automotive and marine industries. Plascore is an employee driven organization, fueled by professional teams with dedicated years of service to manufacturing.
Plascore Benefits:
Bonus Programs
- $1,200 Employee Referral Bonus - Paid in monthly increments.
- Quarterly Bonus- based on business unit metrics
Health Benefits
- Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) with Flex Spending or Health Savings Accounts
- Free high-deductible health plan for employee only coverage.
- New Hires are eligible for health insurance benefits on day one!
- Company provided short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Employee Assistance Program- including legal & professional counseling services
Paid Time Off
- Paid and unpaid vacation totaling 6 weeks (years of service determines paid portion)
- 8-week paid sabbatical for every 10 years of service
- Paid Holidays
- Parental Leave
401(K) & Roth 401(K)
- 50% match up to 6% for all participating employees.
Educational Support
- Tuition Reimbursement for job-related and certificate programs
- Dependent scholarship to cover up to 100% of tuition cost for child dependents
- Use of training grants like GoingPro to allow for professional development
Childcare
- Flex Spending Account for childcare
- Tri-Share childcare program (2/3 of childcare costs covered)
Company Events
- Annual company picnic
- Annual golf outing
- Annual holiday party
Other Perks
- White-Caps baseball ticket raffles
- Discounts available at: MVP Athletic Club, Stellantis, Bedslide, Enterprise rentals, RX Optical
- Clean work environment
- Smooth pace of work
- Family owned and operated.
- Security of work for an established, growing company that serves a diverse customer base.
- Bi-Weekly Pay
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Plascore to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].
Plascore is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristic.
Skills Required
- At least 7 years progressively more responsible experience
- Professional level knowledge equivalent to a five-year baccalaureate program or two years of post-bachelor's degree work
- Must be eligible to work on programs subject to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)
What We Do
Plascore manufactures an extensive family of honeycomb core and composite board made from a variety of metal and plastic materials to fit virtually any application, from aerospace to commercial. We also manufacture cleanroom wall and ceiling systems for ultraclean electronic and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The employees of Plascore are dedicated to bringing customers the best combination of quality products, on-time delivery and competitive price. Plascore regional salespeople and in-house service representatives help manage your project from inception through execution. We specialize in helping customers find innovative ways to improve products, uncover new applications and reduce costs. Plascore, Inc. is AS/EN/JISQ9100 and ISO-9001 registered, and employs Lean Manufacturing principles throughout design, manufacturing and administration, to reduce lead time while assuring optimum quality and on-time delivery. In addition to our proprietary honeycomb manufacturing process, our value-added capabilities include adhesive development, CNC machining, powder coating, welding, thermoset and thermoplastic laminating and assembly. This extensive capability allows us to maintain rigid quality standards, control project scheduling and deliver superior products in the manner best suited to the client's specific needs. Plascore is a global organization, with headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Zeeland, Michigan; manufacturing in Waldlaubersheim, Germany; and sales offices throughout the world.
