Continuous Improvement Leader - Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Continuous Improvement Leader - Manufacturing

Location: Hybrid – ideally based in Lansing or Detroit, MI
Travel: Up to 40%

The Role:

We are seeking a strategic, future-focused, and dynamic Continuous Improvement (CI) Leader who excels in driving enterprise-wide operational excellence. This role provides the opportunity to expand beyond improvement work into broader operational responsibility, build cross-functional influence, and progress toward a long-term career path in Plant Operations Management.

The CI Leader will:

• Lead high-impact Kaizen events
• Develop Lean capabilities across the organization
• Ensure long-term sustainment of process improvements

The ideal candidate is an innovative, data-driven leader passionate about operational transformation, employee development, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

This position reports to the Head of Lean Deployment and is part of the Corporate Lean Deployment Team.

Key Responsibilities:

Kaizen Leadership & Development

• Lead high-impact Kaizen events delivering measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, and operational performance
• Develop, coach, and mentor employees in CI tools and methodologies to build a sustainable culture of problem-solving and continuous learning

Sustainment & Follow-Through

• Create and implement robust 30-, 60-, and 90-day sustainment plans to ensure improvements remain embedded and effective
• Monitor and audit post-Kaizen results, reinforcing process adherence, standard work, and best practices

Coaching & Training

• Educate employees at all levels on Lean principles, structured problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making
• Facilitate hands-on workshops to strengthen team capabilities and drive enterprise-wide CI maturity

Strategic Prioritization & Guidance

• Partner with plant and organizational leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives
• Guide teams in using analytics and data insights to elevate operational performance

Lean & Problem-Solving Expertise

Serve as a subject matter expert in Lean methodologies, including:

• Daily Management: Establish disciplined daily accountability systems
• 6S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, Safety): Improve workplace organization, efficiency, and safety
• Value Stream Mapping (VSM): Analyze processes to identify waste and optimize flow
• Total Process Improvement (TPI): Facilitate structured process improvement initiatives
• Structured Problem Solving: Apply A3, 8D, DMAIC, and other root cause methodologies
• Gemba Walks: Observe processes, collaborate with employees, and uncover improvement opportunities
• Flow / Kanban: Design and implement pull systems and visual workflow controls

Cultural Transformation & Audits

• Champion a Continuous Improvement culture through audits, process reviews, and engagement at all levels
• Embed CI principles into daily operations to advance performance through disciplined processes and empowered teams

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field; MBA preferred
• Minimum 8 years leading Kaizen events and CI initiatives with measurable results
• Minimum 7 years in manufacturing or assembly operations with process-driven environments
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop leaders and employees in Lean/CI methodologies
• Expert-level knowledge of Lean tools, structured problem-solving frameworks, and strategic prioritization
• Proven ability to sustain improvements through 30-, 60-, and 90-day follow-ups
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and influencing skills across all organizational levels

Health, Safety, Physical & Travel Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout office and plant environments
• Capable of standard computer-based work
• Up to 40% travel required
• Valid driver’s license

Company Description

Branex Group is a Minority-owned Technical Staffing firm headquartered in Auburn Hills, MI. We are a Certified Women’s Owned Business through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). We specialize in Engineering, Information Technology, Robotics, Human Resources, and Finance opportunities across the United States.

Branex Group is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We ensure all applicants and employees are considered without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, genetics, or any other protected characteristic by State and Federal laws.

Branex Group offers the following benefits:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
- 401(k)

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Company Description

Branex Group is a Minority-owned Technical Staffing firm headquartered in Auburn Hills, MI. We are a Certified Women’s Owned Business through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). We specialize in Engineering, Information Technology, Robotics, Human Resources, and Finance opportunities across the United States.\r\n\r\nBranex Group is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We ensure all applicants and employees are considered without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, genetics, or any other protected characteristic by State and Federal laws.\r\n\r\n\r\nBranex Group offers the following benefits:\r\n- Medical Insurance\r\n- Dental Insurance\r\n- Vision insurance\r\n- Paid time off\r\n- 401(k)\r\n\r\n This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.