Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement Manager

Eaton Corporation's Global Energy Infrastructure Solutions (GEIS) division is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager. This is an onsite position based in Highland, IL and reports directly to the Highland Plant Manager. As a critical member of the Highland leadership team, the incumbent will work to drive operational excellence by leading continuous improvement initiatives. This includes optimizing workflows, reducing waste, and implementing strategies like Lean or Six Sigma to meet strategic goals, improve quality, and increase productivity.

The Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence Manager is fully responsible for leading Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence for the Highland, IL plant. This role will include leading and deploying operational efficiency, lean and continuous improvement initiatives and tools, key performance indicators, benchmarking, and an effective productivity management operating system as well as operation system deployment. This leader will develop and execute the continuous improvement strategy for the business including planning, standardizing, and deploying all elements of Eaton Continuous Improvement System (ECIS).

Essential Functions

Lead internal operating system (Eaton Business Systems), Operational Assessment (OpA) Continuous Improvement Framework (CIF) roadmap and strategy.

Continuously improve and document operations processes through implementation of lean, six sigma tools, best practices, and experiences.

Ensure the development and implementation of an effective Management Operating System to align and support performance management and effective escalation.

Coordinates Operating System deployment and continuous improvement training.

Lead Productivity and continuous improvement mgmt. operating system and project pipeline generation process in strong partnership with operations, and business functions.

Manage planning, facilitation and completion of continuous improvement events calendar and transition projects to support year over year cost productivity in line with business objectives.

Use Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing principles to implement corrective and improvement actions for operational issues.

Utilize appropriate lean tools (ECIS) and champion general continuous improvement initiatives to improve overall business performance as measured by productivity, on-time performance, and quality trends.

Additional Information :

A. Drive the Operational Excellence (OPEX) strategic vision and roadmaps for the Highland, IL facility

B. Process Improvement : Identify and implement process improvements, using methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma to eliminate waste and reduce costs.

C. Performance Monitoring : Analyze operational data to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

D. Project Leadership : Lead projects and initiatives to enhance operational performance, often working with cross-functional teams.

E. Strategy and Planning : Align operational activities with strategic business goals and manage budgets related to process improvement.

F. Training and Development : Train employees on continuous improvement methodologies and support the development of staff to meet performance objectives.

G. Provide expertise for Eaton Business System (EBS) tools and training including, EBS Pull, OpA, EBS Assessment, and other tools

H. Drive Cost-Out accountability for the site in alignment with the site's annual Profit Plan objectives

I. Provide support & guidance to the Highland leadership team with Kaizens, problem solving, and ensuring EBS adherence

J. Lead the Eaton Continuous Improvement Framework (CIF) deployment (visual controls, process standardization, leader standard work, Gemba walks, manning strategy, daily accountability, process checks and CI for everyone)

K. Build ELSS organizational capability and develop local ELSS / CI Tool Champions by providing training and consulting support

L. Ensure a safe work environment for all employees, in collaboration with the EHS Manager; Drive and support behavioral based zero incident safety culture

Qualifications

Required Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required

Minimum five 5 years of experience in operations / continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment

Prior Lean Six Sigma background and applied experience

• No relocation benefit is being offered for this position. Only applicants residing within a 50-mile radius of Highland, IL will be considered. Active-duty military members are exempt from this geographical area limitation.

Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1, H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, 1-485 job profitability, etc.

Preferred Qualifications :

Technical degree is preferred

MS or MBA degree preferred

Experience in people leadership / management

Certified Black Belt from an accredited institution

Skills

Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills

Experienced lean professional

Experience deploying lean techniques and continuous improvement in a manufacturing and distribution environment.

Experience leading Kaizens & use of basic lean tools such as standard work, TPM, VSM, 5S, and Set up reductions.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Track record of driving continuous improvements through sustainable processes.

Ability to negotiate with all levels of management, both internally and externally.

Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills.