Magna Engineered Glass: Operations Continuous Improvement Manager

What we offer:

Group Summary:

JOB SUMMARY:

The World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Manager will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and ensuring the highest levels of quality, efficiency, and productivity within Magna Engineered Glass. They are responsible for leading and implementing continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of excellence in manufacturing operations. Their leadership and expertise will be instrumental in achieving world-class manufacturing standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead all World Class Manufacturing (WCM) initiatives, acting as the primary interface with Magna Group and Corporate WCM teams.
• Oversee the company’s Continuous Improvement (CI) Program, identifying and implementing opportunities for cost reduction, waste elimination, and production efficiency.
• Direct and execute Kaizen events and Standardized Work Processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure plant-wide compliance with MAFACT, conducting internal audits and implementing corrective action plans.
• Maintain and improve current MAFACT ratings, driving the division towards manufacturing excellence.
• Collaborate with leadership to establish long- and short-term CI objectives, aligning strategies with business goals.
• Manage cross-functional teams to drive CI initiatives, monitoring productivity and performance.
• Facilitate process design changes, integrating new systems and best practices to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Develop performance tracking mechanisms to measure CI project success and maintain alignment with business objectives.
• Act as a champion for CI projects, ensuring effective communication, execution, and timely completion.
• Assist in developing and managing the CI budget, ensuring projects align with financial targets.
• Ensure all CI projects comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations at federal, state, and local levels.
• Contribute to a collaborative and adaptive work environment, adjusting to evolving business needs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.
• Actively contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment, demonstrating flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs and priorities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial Engineering or Industrial Technology preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt or higher preferred
• 10+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing/operations, with 5+ years in Continuous Improvement.
• Strong expertise in WCM, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in AIAG Core Tools and advanced problem-solving techniques (e.g., Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Six Sigma).
• Proven experience in project management, including planning, timeline management, and fiscal oversight.
• Experience leading manufacturing process improvements and plant operations initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to apply industrial engineering principles and data-driven decision-making.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and manufacturing systems (ERP, MES, etc.).
• Knowledge of safety standards and compliance protocols in manufacturing environments.
• English proficiency required, with strong verbal and written communication skills. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Office Environment: Generally 30%
• Plant Environment: Generally 70%
• The employee must be able to tolerate sitting and standing for extended periods of time.  
• It requires (Near/Far/Depth/Color) vision in order to be able to tolerate the eye strain associated with working on a computer throughout the workday.
• Must be able to tolerate the use of a keyboard and mouse on average of 6 hours per workday.
• While working in the Plant environment, the employee will be exposed to machinery, moving equipment and material, moderate noise, airborne particles, fumes, and various levels of temperature created by the manufacturing process.
• This role operates primarily in an office and manufacturing facility. Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, visit customers, or other specific purposes. Travel requirements for this position are estimated at 5% of time and may include both domestic and/or international destinations as needed.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

A competency is a specific behavior or attribute that enables someone to effectively perform tasks or fulfill responsibilities in a job role. Each competency represents a key area in which an individual must excel to succeed in a role, and Magna Engineered Glass uses competencies as benchmarks for assessing employee performance, guiding professional development, and aligning workforce capabilities with organizational goals.

• Continuous Improvement Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. The ability to apply these principles effectively to identify opportunities for process enhancement, waste reduction, and cost optimization.
• Strategic Leadership: Strong strategic thinking and planning skills to establish clear objectives, policies, and long-term plans aligned with the organization's goals. The capability to allocate resources strategically and monitor performance to ensure objectives are met.
• Team Leadership and Development: Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to build and lead cross-functional teams. A talent for motivating and coaching team members to achieve project goals and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Communication and Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. The ability to represent the company professionally with customers and suppliers while maintaining productive relationships.
• Quality and Statistical Control: Proficiency in using quality and statistical control tools, along with the capacity to teach and mentor others in these methodologies. The ability to establish performance measurement tracking mechanisms to support project objectives and ensure alignment with business goals.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment: