Process Improvement Manager

The Process Improvement Manager will be responsible for managing all manufacturing processes within the center in a fast paced, high volume, unionized, manufacturing environment. The selected candidate will lead a group of Quality Engineers and Process Product Specialists (at some plants) who are responsible for ensuring that the processes associated with their designated area(s) are being followed. The selected candidate will coordinate safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale initiatives. Provide coaching and mentoring to direct reports (both hourly and supervisory) regarding Lean Manufacturing techniques for problem solving and corrective action implementation and follow up with AME, Program Management, Product Engineering and Supplier Quality to assure compliance to build requirements and ensure product changes necessary to improve quality are being driven.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

• Guarantee their teams provide sufficient support to Production teams within their designated process areas.  
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of the processes which comprise how the car is built in the respective centers as well as the areas of concentration within those centers including electrical, mechanical, torque alignment, etc.
• Drive the achievement of quality, safety, delivery and cost KPIs and KAIs within the center related to product and process
• Ensure the PIM’s organization actively resolves defects root caused to Method (process) and Material (product / parts) and drive continuous improvement solutions
• Supports all aspects of production processes including safety, quality, delivery, cost and morale and drive successful implementation of lean manufacturing processes and standards 
• Assign Process Observation Audits (POAs) according to First Time Capable (FTC) metrics, Throughput, Customer Feedback Audit (CFA) priorities

Basic Requirements  

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical / engineering discipline, or bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with manufacturing processes, tooling, quality control methods and statistical process control (SPC)
• Ability to work any shift and overtime as required 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interface with various levels of employees within all areas of the Plant from hourly represented employees to Senior Leadership as required 
• Ability to build effective business relationships with plant leadership and customers 
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously 
• Demonstrated ability to coach / mentor / develop team members 
• Goal oriented self-starter with ability to lead team 
• Experience in continuous improvement systems and lean manufacturing 
• Must possess a working knowledge of advanced technical problem-solving tools 
• Ability to read, interpret and understand engineering documents, technical standards, design specifications, GD&T and PFMEA/FMEA 
• Must have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office  

Preferred Requirements:  

• Advanced degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering  
• Previous experience working in a union environment 
• Production/maintenance supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment 
• Familiar with lean manufacturing methodology and implementation 
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Suite software programs including context menu