Continuous Improvement Manager

Company Description

Oetiker provides customers with the peace of mind
that their mission-critical components are reliably
connected. We are a global leader in high-end
connecting solutions for the vehicle industry and for
high-value applications in industrial segments. Our
expertise in high-quality clamps, rings, straps and
quick-connectors ranges from powertrain and
drivetrain applications to medical applications. We
offer engineering, prototyping and testing support to
quickly create comprehensive solutions for
overcoming clamping and connecting challenges.
With 1800+ employees in more than 30 countries
and over 75 years of experience, we are the trusted,
global, long-term partner for the world’s leading
OEMs.

Job Description

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000

Position Summary

Responsible for leading and driving lean and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization to enhance operational efficiency and performance. The OPS Manager plans, coordinates, and oversees internal projects and improvement activities, providing technical leadership and guidance to process facilitators throughout implementation. This role promotes and sustains lean and Kaizen methodologies through employee training, coaching, and awareness initiatives. In collaboration with audit teams and process owners, the OPS Manager conducts regular audits to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of implemented standards, identifies performance gaps, and drives corrective actions to ensure continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Essential Functions 

• Companywide coordination of OPS activities. 
• Initiating OPS workshops and training sessions.
• Project management - plan and carry out OPS workshops and training sessions. 
• Active support for OPS process facilitators and dept working all shifts. 
• Organizes OPS communication
• Internal OPS marketing using a variety of sources (e.g. continuous improvement videos) 
• Ensures compliance with OPS roadmap
• Develop and adhere to OPS standards. 
• Plan and carry out OPS audits. 
• Monthly discussion and reporting on OPS activities. 

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of OPS (lean) manufacturing and Kaizen
• Experience conducting process audits
• Green belt in lean concepts or similar certifications
• Outstanding presentation and moderation skills
• Motivating and guiding teams with success
• Experience in the planning and leadership of projects
• Great dedication to visiting all shifts and departments to ensure they understand and adhere to OPS standards
• Positive and upbeat attitude with the ability to think outside of the box
• Good working knowledge of the English language

Education / Experience

• Bachelor level degree or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years of professional experience working in lean/continuous improvement at a high-volume manufacturing organization.
• 3-5 years’ experience leading change management projects.
• Auditing experience

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Paid Time Off (starts at 17 days a year)
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Generous 401k match
• Education tuition reimbursement program
• Opportunities for Advancement
• Comprehensive Training Program and access to Online Learning        

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.