Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement Leader

7 days ago

Woodstock, IL, United States Charter Manufacturing Company, Inc. Full time
Charter Manufacturing is a fourth-generation family-owned business where our will to grow drives us to do it better. Join the team and become part of our family

Charter Casting is currently searching for an Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement Leader to join our team in a high-visibility role where you'll roll up your sleeves to apply Lean principles and Toyota Production System derived tools and methodologies, driving tangible improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost across our multi-site metals manufacturing operation, known for its one-of-a-kind capabilities. This is your opportunity to leverage your deep expertise to implement and own the change that will guide our business transformation.

In this people leader role you will report directly to the Vice President of Operations and will have a clear path for a broader and growing set of leadership responsibilities within the organization.

Position Specifics:
  • Location: Our Casting business has two primary locations, Woodstock, IL & Shawano, WI, providing the ideal candidate with two different options for an onsite working location. This leadership role covers both locations and will require time at both locations on a continual basis. Alternatively, this role can be based out of our corporate office in Mequon, WI (Greater Milwaukee area) but would then require heavier travel to our Casting locations.
  • Relocation: Assistance may be provided
  • Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Charter Manufacturing is unable to sponsor for employment visas at this time.
Key Responsibilities:

As the leader of our transformation, you won't just delegate-you'll do. You will design, embed, and coach a sustainable culture of improvement:
  • Design and Implement the Lean Roadmap: Develop and execute a division-wide lean transformation strategy. You will personally facilitate the creation of the Lean Transformation Road map, ensuring it is accelerated by advanced digital technologies and seamless automation, covering manufacturing, supply chain, quality, safety, and administrative functions.
  • Directly Lead the CI Function: You will run the division-wide CI office, personally mentoring and coaching cross-functional teams on the shop floor and in the office to identify and eliminate waste, streamline processes, and drive measurable efficiency gains.
  • Drive Strategy Through Execution: Leverage our Strategy Deployment Process and actively use the Hoshin Kanri methodologies to prioritize and accelerate the highest-impact changes.
  • Embed Performance Metrics: Establish, track, and interpret Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of all continuous improvement efforts, reporting progress directly to senior management.
  • Shop Floor Expertise: Conduct hands-on, thorough analyses of current manufacturing processes and systems. You will develop and launch the actionable plans required to address deficiencies and implement the solutions.
  • Grow and Strengthen the CI Culture: Collaborate with department heads and frontline employees to foster a true culture of continuous improvement, empowering every team member to contribute to optimization.
  • Teach and Train: Provide direct training and coaching to employees at all levels on Lean principles, ensuring a shared understanding and fostering a mindset of continuous improvement that sticks.
  • Standardize the Wins: Drive the implementation of standardized work processes and visual management systems to enhance transparency, accountability, and performance visibility across all sites.
  • Strategic Alignment: Partner with senior leadership to ensure all CI initiatives are correctly aligned and resourced to achieve overall business objectives and strategic goals.
What you'll need:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 6 years of experience in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment, with a demonstrated track record for leading an enterprise wide or division wide lean transformation and continuous improvement office.
  • 10 years of progressive responsibilities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • In-depth knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies, as well as the concepts within Toyota Production Systems, with a strong emphasis on practical application and implementation. Ideally holds a certification.
  • Proven experience leading Lean transformations in large manufacturing organizations with multiple locations, resulting in measurable improvements in operational efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
  • Expert problem solver with excellent analytical skills and the ability to effectively interpret data to identify opportunities for improvement and drive informed decision-making.
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams and influence change at all levels of the organization.
  • Exceptional project management capabilities, including the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage resources effectively, and drive projects to successful completion on time and within budget.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.


This is more than a continuous improvement job-it's the opportunity to architect and drive a major industrial transformation. If you have deep, hands-on experience in the concepts within Toyota Production Systems and are ready to personally mentor, execute, and own the sustainable operational shift across a multi-site organization with unique capabilities, apply today. We are looking for a strategic expert who can implement change from the shop floor to the executive level.

Charter Casting is a member of the Charter Manufacturing family of companies.

Take the next step in your career, apply today

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The annual hiring range for this position is: $139,200-$174,000. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will depend on various factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, experience, and qualifications. Compensation decisions are tailored to the unique circumstances of each position and candidate.

We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan that includes employer matching and profit sharing. Additionally, we offer company-paid life insurance, disability coverage, and paid time off (PTO).

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