Process Improvement Manager

Sargent Manufacturing is a market leader in commercial door hardware. The company's customer base includes commercial construction, institutional and industrial markets. Included in our product offerings are windstorm certified locks, hardwired and wireless access control devices, designer levers and antimicrobial hardware coating.

ASSA ABLOY is seeking a Process Improvement Manager to join the SARGENT Management Team at our high-performing manufacturing facility. In this critical role, you will lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, drive process optimization, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. You will spearhead best practices, proactively identify improvement opportunities and regularly facilitate Kaizen Events to implement meaningful changes.

As a key leader, you will collaborate across departments to enhance manufacturing efficiency and drive impactful improvements in pricing strategies, data integrity, customer satisfaction, cost accounting, workforce development, and defect reduction.

This role will sit full-time on-site in New Haven, CT.

What you will be doing

• Champion and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.
• Lead strategies, audits, and activities supporting operational enhancements.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen Events and the application of lean methodologies to improve manufacturing and office operations.
• Take the lead in educating and training employees on lean principles, behaviors, tools, and techniques to sustain improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels to assess, prioritize, and execute initiatives aimed at eliminating inefficiencies and increasing productivity.
• Drive the analysis, design, and implementation of process enhancements to optimize effectiveness and efficiency.
• Provide regular updates to leadership on plans, progress, and results of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Actively participate in daily Gemba walks throughout the factory, engaging with teams to observe operations firsthand, identify improvement opportunities, and foster insightful discussions that drive innovation and efficiency.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management or a related field.
• Must have 5 years of leadership experience in driving sustainable improvements and organizational change in a manufacturing environment.
• Must be comfortable delivering presentations in front of leadership.
• Must have experience working with machinery.
• Expertise in Excel and experience working with large data sets.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Lean Manufacturing Principles.
• Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams in identifying and executing lasting improvement solutions.
• Strong operational and supply chain knowledge.
• Ability to effectively engage with stakeholders from the shop floor to executive management.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Outstanding presentation, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills to mentor associates and foster teamwork.
• Strong organizational and analytical abilities.

Preferred Credentials:

• Certifications:
  • Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME OR SME)
  • Lean Six Sigma Certifications
  • Certified Lean Practitioner
  • Certified Value Stream Mapping Specialist
  • Lean Expert Certification

We review applications regularly, so don't hesitate, apply today

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What we offer

We're passionate about providing amazing opportunities and benefits, so that you can enjoy a lifelong career with us.

• Continuous professional development opportunities and an environment that fosters internal growth and mobility.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package which includes multiple healthcare options, tuition reimbursement, and matching 401k.
• Generous holiday schedule and paid time off to refresh and recharge.
• Employee pricing on our products and discount programs for travel, entertainment, and more

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces - physical and virtual - safer, more secure, and easier to access.

As an employer, we value results - not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions - supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.

As we welcome new people on board, it's important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.

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