Continuous Improvement Leader - Metro Detroit Area

Key Responsibilities:

• Kaizen Leadership & Development:
  • Lead impactful Kaizen events, ensuring measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and cost.
  • Develop and mentor employees in CI methodologies to create a sustainable culture of problem-solving and continuous learning.
• Sustainment & Follow-Through:
  • Establish sustainment plans for 30, 60, and 90 days post-Kaizen to ensure lasting process improvements.
  • Track and audit progress, reinforcing adherence to new processes and best practices.
• Coaching & Training:
  • Teach and coach employees at all levels on Lean principles, problem-solving techniques, and strategic decision-making.
  • Conduct hands-on training workshops to strengthen CI capabilities within the organization.
• Strategic Prioritization & Guidance:
  • Work with plant leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement initiatives that align with business goals.
  • Guide teams in leveraging data-driven decision-making to maximize operational efficiency.
• Lean & Problem-Solving Expertise:
  • Act as a subject matter expert with proven experience in the following Lean tools:
• Daily Management – Implementing structured daily accountability processes to drive performance.
• 6S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, Safety) – Driving workplace organization and safety improvements.
• Value Stream Mapping (VSM) – Identifying and eliminating waste through end-to-end process mapping.
• TPI (Total Process Improvement) – Enhancing process flow and efficiency through structured methodologies.
• Problem Solving – Leading A3, 8D, and DMAIC methodologies to address root causes.
• Gemba Walks – Engaging directly with teams at the point of work to identify opportunities and drive improvement.
• Flow/Kanban – Optimizing production and information flow for operational efficiency.
• Kanban – Implementing visual management techniques to improve workflow, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance Just-In-Time processes.
• Cultural Transformation & Audits:
  • Systemically promotes a CI culture through objective audits, process reviews, and engagement at all levels.
  • Foster a mindset that integrates continuous improvement into daily operations, driving business results through enhanced processes and people development.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Proven experience leading Kaizen events and CI initiatives with measurable impact.
• Strong ability to develop and mentor leaders & employees in continuous improvement methodologies.
• Expertise in Lean tools, problem-solving methodologies, and strategic prioritization.
• Ability to ensure sustainability through structured follow-ups (30, 60, 90-day checkpoints).
• Excellent communication and coaching skills, with the ability to engage at all levels of the organization.
• Experience in manufacturing, operations, or a similar process-driven environment preferred.
• Ability to travel 25-30% to plant locations to support CI initiatives.

This role is ideal for a hands-on leader passionate about driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are committed to developing others while achieving business results, we encourage you to apply.