Lean Continuous Improvement Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading plant-wide continuous improvement

initiatives with primary accountability for driving performance improvements across Safety, Quality,

Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP).

This role establishes and standardizes core Industrial Engineering (IE) processes and standards while

developing Manufacturing Engineers to build IE capability over time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Include but are not limited to):

Continuous Improvement Leadership (~70%):

• Lead plant-wide continuous improvement aligned to Piston Group’s CI / Lean Strategy to improve

business objectives and SQDCP performance targets

• Drive implementation and sustainment of Lean manufacturing systems, including daily

management, standard work, and waste elimination

• Identify and eliminate operational losses using data, structured problem solving, and root cause

analysis

• Coach and lead cross-functional teams in Kaizen events, problem-solving workshops, and

improvement projects

• Establish and sustain KPI management systems, including tiered accountability and performance

escalation processes

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, inventory reduction, flow

optimization, and productivity improvement

• Ensure alignment and integration of CI activities with plant operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain functions

• Lead development of a continuous improvement culture through training, coaching, and leadership engagement

• Track and report improvement initiatives with clear ownership, timelines, and measurable 

impact

Industrial Engineering Systems (~30%):

• Define, develop, and standardize core Industrial Engineering processes, tools, and methodologies across the plant

• Establish standards for:

Labor planning and line balancing

o Standard work and work measurement

o Capacity analysis and modeling

o Layout optimization and material flow design

Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to deploy IE standards into production environments

• Train and coach Manufacturing Engineers to develop core IE competencies and ownership of

these processes

• Provide hands-on support and mentoring on IE tools, including time studies, line balancing, and

throughput analysis

• Support development of engineered labor standards and productivity models aligned with

financial and operational targets

• Ensure sustainability of IE practices through documentation, audits, and governance routines

• Support engineered labor standards and productivity models 

• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity metrics

• Utilize data analytics to identify performance gaps and prioritize improvement initiatives

• Establish performance baselines, targets, and tracking mechanisms for CI and IE initiatives

• Support operational reviews with leadership by presenting progress, risks, and results

People Leadership & Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop cross-functional team members in CI and IE disciplines

• Build organizational capability in Lean tools, structured problem-solving, and industrial

engineering fundamentals

• Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement

• Support leadership teams in driving engagement and adoption of CI methodologies across all

levels

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all CI and IE activities align with plant safety and quality standards

• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to safety incidents and quality issues

• Drive compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

• Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, and Materials teams to drive performance improvements

• Support new program launches by ensuring process readiness, capacity alignment, and efficient production flow

• Act as a key interface between CI strategy and shop-floor execution 

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, with strong emphasis on Continuous Improvement and Industrial Engineering

• Demonstrated experience deploying Lean manufacturing systems and structured problemsolving methodologies

• Experience developing and implementing Industrial Engineering standards and processes

• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Automotive industry (OEM or Tier 1) experience

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean certification

• Experience in high-volume, complex manufacturing environments

• Experience in unionized manufacturing environments

• Exposure to advanced manufacturing and automation environments

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this role, the employee will be regularly exposed to a manufacturing

environment, including moving mechanical parts and varying noise levels. This position requires regular

presence on the plant floor to support operations and team engagement.

EEO STATEMENT

Detroit Thermal Systems is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status.