Continuous Improvement Manager

3 weeks ago


Huntsville, Alabama, United States Kennametal, Inc. Full time

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in more than 60 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2 billion in revenues in fiscal 2022. Learn more at . Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Continuous Improvement Manager - Lean Manufacturing

Location - Position can be based either in Huntsville, AL or Rogers, AR.

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and implementing continuous improvement initiatives at multiple production facilities. They analyze existing processes, identify areas for improvement, and lead kaizen activities to optimize operations and increase efficiency. They will collaborate with plant management to drive alignment, gain support, train personnel and implement improvement initiatives and build lean culture.

Lean COMPETENCES

  • Organize training for 5S, Product respect, TPM, SMED, Hoshin, STOP SCRAP, VSA, Kanban, Continuous flow, and lean industrialization in accordance with Plant / Multi - Site priorities.
  • Assess whether the lean standards are applied properly.
  • Permanently promote the Lean principles.
  • Organize daily meetings with the internal Lean network.
  • Perform annual professional competencies appraisal.
  • Validate the annual appraisal of Lean engineer/technician/analyst, if any.

Lean STRATEGIES

  • Challenge the Lean design concept & the systematic lean investment approach in each phase.
  • Help the Site / Plant Manager to keep a continuous improvement mindset, behavior & policy whatever the operational situation.
  • Support the internal physical flows of the Site / Plant Manager for the VSM master plan and propose the yearly workshops list.
  • Ensure Lean deployment (KOS, standards, workshops, and Global lean initiatives) in all production and Logistics departments.

Lean GEMBA ACTIVITIES

  • Do OJT to coach APU Lean engineers/technicians & Site / Plant members on the application of Lean tools and methodologies.
  • Permanently help production Managers to detect and react to non-conformances against Lean standards.
  • Lead permanent workshops.
  • Lead pilot workshops for new Lean methodology for the site.
  • Ensure the management of the maintenance of Lean tools through appropriate audits.
  • Prepare & organize the weekly Site / Plant Lean committee, including agenda proposal, led by the Site / Plant Manager, review kaizen workshops, and write the minute.

Global Lean and Region Lean CONTRIBUTION

  • Accelerate Plant / Site progress through production & Supply Chain best practices sharing and deployment of best practices from outside the Site / Plant.

Lean RESULTS

  • Prepare the Site / Plant budget concerning Lean targets.
  • Support Lean engineers/technician/analyst competence development and workshop pilots on results achievement and associated action plan.
  • Manage the building of the tools to daily monitor the results.
  • Ensure lean reporting and KOS metrics are correct.

Core Skills and Qualifications

Experience with the following methodologies and practices: FMEA, Kaizen, Lean Tools, 5S, Visual Factory Aids, SMED concepts, VSM, VOC and Poke Yoke

Knowledge and practice experience of the following tools:

  1. 5S & Zoning, visual management.
  2. Standard work and cycle time measurement.
  3. Muda Hunting.
  4. Pull flow/ Kanban.
  5. SMED.
  6. TPM.
  7. VSM.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelors or above, but experience may be used in lieu of education.
  • Minimum of 5 years manufacturing experience in leadership role.

Travel: Up to 25%

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. As such, it is the policy of Kennametal Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, or other protected status, group, or characteristic under federal, state, and/or local law or regulation. It is Kennametal Inc.'s policy to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.



  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States Kennametal, Inc. Full time

    With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States Leidos Full time

    About the RoleLeidos is seeking a talented Continuous Improvement Specialist to join a diverse team to create unique solutions to complex problems. With a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement, this role will play a key part in driving excellence across the organization.Key Responsibilities Serve as a Lead for program Continuous Process...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States Banner Defense, Inc. Full time

    Job OverviewSCRM Compliance and Continuous Monitoring ManagerJoin our team and make a significant contribution.Position SummaryIn the role of SCRM Compliance and Continuous Monitoring Manager, you will take charge of analytical and administrative responsibilities utilizing specific methodologies and processes.Key Responsibilities:Oversee and implement all...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States KOHLER Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled Senior Materials Engineer to join our team at Kohler. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for improving the plant materials and material processes and equipment to maintain our competitive position in the market.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and apply advanced theories, methods, and...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States FLIR Systems Full time

    Position Overview:As a Manufacturing Process Engineer at FLIR Systems, you will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing efficient, cost-effective manufacturing processes that align with product specifications and quality standards. Your expertise will be crucial in recommending and executing enhancements to production methodologies, ensuring a...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States GTT, LLC Full time

    Job DescriptionManufacturing/ Process/ Industrial EngineerContract Duration: 12 MonthsPosition Overview:Join a dedicated team of experts as a Manufacturing Engineer, where you will be instrumental in creating an integrated manufacturing framework that optimizes advanced manufacturing techniques for the production of complex space propulsion systems.In...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States Cayuse Holdings Full time

    **Job Summary**Cayuse Holdings is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join our team as a Senior IT Consultant. As a key member of our organization, you will play a critical role in driving quality improvement initiatives and process optimization across various departments.**Key Responsibilities:**• Provide consulting services to senior...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States Belcan Full time

    Position Title: Process Improvement EngineerJob Reference: 336111Category:Manufacturing & Supply ChainOverview:Join a dedicated team of professionals focused on enhancing manufacturing processes within a high-stakes production environment. As a Process Improvement Engineer, you will play a crucial role in optimizing operations and ensuring the highest...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States ManTech Full time

    Secure our Nation, Ignite your FutureBecome an integral part of a diverse team while working at a leading organization, where our employees come first. At ManTech, you'll help protect our national security while working on innovative projects that offer opportunities for advancement.Currently, ManTech is seeking a motivated, career and customer-oriented...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States Vali Incorporated Full time

    Job OverviewVali Incorporated is in search of a highly skilled professional to provide expertise in Process and Policy Enhancement and Management for the Department of Defense (DoD) Budget and Financial Analysis.Role Summary: This role will contribute to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) by supporting the DoD Budget and Financial Analysis Program.Key...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States Boeing Full time

    Position Title: Senior Process Improvement Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Location: USA - Huntsville, AL Job Overview: The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) division is seeking a Senior Process Improvement Engineer to enhance our Huntsville Fabrication team. This role is ideal for individuals with a strong background in industrial engineering,...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States Kosmos Full time

    Job OverviewKosmos is seeking a skilled Process Engineer to enhance our manufacturing operations.Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Analyze functional specifications, organizational structures, and project details to clarify roles and responsibilities, identifying any redundancies.Implement and advocate for Six Sigma, Lean methodologies,...

  • Plant Manager

    1 month ago


    Huntsville, Alabama, United States Kennametal, Inc. Full time

    With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States ESR Healthcare Full time

    Position Overview:The Safety and Compliance Manager is a vital member of the leadership team, playing a crucial role in fostering a culture of safety and ongoing enhancement within the organization.This role is responsible for overseeing, developing, and executing top-tier safety and industrial hygiene protocols within a manufacturing environment to...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States SCOPE Recruiting Full time

    Job OverviewThe Materials and Production Planning Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing the planning of materials, procurement processes, inventory management, and production scheduling to ensure efficient and cost-effective manufacturing operations. This position requires collaboration with various internal departments, suppliers, and production teams...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States ATI (Allegheny Technologies Incorporated) Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly experienced and skilled Executive General Manager to lead our facility in Huntsville, AL. As a key member of our leadership team, you will be responsible for providing strategic direction, driving business growth, and ensuring the success of our operations.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Management: Provide strong...

  • Engineering Manager

    1 month ago


    Huntsville, Alabama, United States Kennametal, Inc. Full time

    With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States SCOPE Recruiting Full time

    Job OverviewThe Materials and Production Strategy Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing the planning of materials, procurement processes, inventory management, and production scheduling to ensure streamlined and cost-efficient manufacturing operations. This position necessitates collaboration with various internal departments, suppliers, and production...


  • Huntsville, Alabama, United States Blue Origin Full time

    Blue Origin - Manufacturing Engineering Leadership OpportunityWe are seeking a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineering Manager to oversee the Manufacturing Engineering team at Blue Origin. This role will play a critical part in driving the success of our manufacturing operations and contributing to our mission of enabling human presence in space and on the...

  • Operations Manager

    5 days ago


    Huntsville, Alabama, United States ASRC Federal Full time

    Program Manager (Active Secret Clearance) PositionCompany Overview:ASRC Federal is seeking a skilled Program Manager with an active Secret clearance to enhance their team. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to a reputable organization within the sector.Role Responsibilities:Oversee, direct, and manage operational support activities for...