Production Excellence Leader (Area Manager)

Company Description

THE COMPANY

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated preliminary sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

With its premium portfolio in the car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tire segment, the Tires group sector stands for innovative solutions in tire technology. Intelligent products and services related to tires and the promotion of sustainability complete the product portfolio. For specialist dealers and fleet management, Tires offers digital tire monitoring and tire management systems, in addition to other services, with the aim of keeping fleets mobile and increasing their efficiency. With its tires, Continental makes a significant contribution to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. 

Job Description

THE POSITION

The Production Excellence Leader (Area Manager) is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the production department, ensuring that manufacturing processes run smoothly, efficiently, and meet quality standards. This role involves coordinating production schedules, managing a team of production staff, and optimizing processes to maximize output while maintaining safety and compliance standards.

Manage Production Operations:

• Oversee the daily production activities to ensure products are manufactured on time and meet quality standards.
• Develop and implement production schedules, ensuring efficient use of resources and minimal downtime.
• Monitor production processes and make adjustments as necessary to optimize efficiency and reduce waste.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead and mentor teams to foster a culture of high performance and adherence to standards.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team capabilities and understanding of standards.

Quality Control:

• Work closely with the quality control team to ensure products meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Implement and enforce quality standards and procedures throughout the production process.
• Address any quality issues promptly, working with relevant departments to identify and resolve root causes.

Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure all production activities comply with safety regulations and company policies.
• Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Promote a culture of safety within the production team.

Process Improvement:

• Continuously evaluate and improve production processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase output.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives, such as Lean or Six Sigma projects.
• Stay informed about industry trends and new technologies that could improve production capabilities.

Resource Management:

• Manage the allocation of labor, materials, and equipment to meet production goals.
• Collaborate with procurement and inventory teams to ensure the availability of necessary materials.
• Track and report on production KPIs, such as output, waste, and downtime.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Coordinate with other departments, such as maintenance, engineering, and logistics, to ensure smooth production flow.
• Communicate production status, challenges, and needs to senior management.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for production-related issues in your area.

KPI Management & Data-Driven Decisions:

• Utilize KPIs as a strategic tool to manage the department's performance, track progress, and identify areas for improvement.
• Analyze data to make informed decisions that drive operational efficiency, cost savings, and overall production excellence.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting systems to provide real-time visibility into key metrics and performance indicators.
• Collaborate with senior management to set and review performance targets, ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives.

Continental Business System

• Champion the Continental Business System (CBS) structure by actively engaging in relevant CBT meetings, taking accountability for team performance, and driving continuous improvement.
• Lead by example in reviewing and mana