Continuous Improvement Manager

LAPP is a family-owned company headquartered in Stuttgart and a global leader in cable and connection technology. Founded in 1959, we are still fully family-owned today. With around 5,800 employees, we are operating in over 80 countries - globally connected and regionally rooted. Working at LAPP means more: this is where inventive spirit and a hands‑on mentality meet cherished values and tradition. We offer all employees the freedom to develop and pursue new opportunities. Flexibility and personal responsibility are just as important to us as a family-friendly work environment. We value all our colleagues with their talents, ideas and perspectives. Summary Under the general direction of the Quality Director, the Continuous Improvement Manager leads Lean improvement activities and process automation across the Americas. The role applies Lean principles to eliminate waste and standardize work, then uses digital tools, examples may be Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Microsoft Power Platform and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to automate and scale improved processes. Focus areas include Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity, Cost and Efficiency. Implement LEAN processes across all functions of the organization to facilitate improvements in overall customer satisfaction, while minimizing costs to Lapp. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Business Processes Identify Process Lean Initiatives and automation opportunities across all business units in Americas, in both office/transactional and operational processes. Lead the prioritization of the Process Lean Initiatives and automation initiatives in collaboration with the management teams. Process mapping, value stream mapping, identifying inefficiencies in productivity Deploy appropriate LEAN methodologies to guide teams to resolve process issues. Lead the implementation of corrective actions based on Internal and External process failures. Lead the implementation of level 3 and level 4 processes in Americas region. Support the business in establishing “LEAN Manufacturing Best Practices” Lead the Kaizen events throughout the business units. Develop Internal Business Partners for implementation of Lapp Operating Systems- LOS workshops, LOS projects and LOS roadmaps Enhance the development of LOS knowledge, methods, principles, standards, culture and training Manufacturing/ Distribution Operational Processes Implement standard work, visual factory and error proofing (poka-yoke) Utilize KPI’s to identify major quality issues contributors and lead the implementation of corrective actions. Identify bottlenecks, deviations and potential for improvement and derive sustainable measures Support of internal business partners on the shop floor achieve measurable, continuous and sustainable improvements in effectiveness and efficiency Guide employees through operational change management and improvement process Establish a culture of Continuous Improvement Design, build and deploy automation solutions using RPA, Microsoft Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps, SharePoint/Microsoft Lists, Forms) and AI tools such as generative AI assistants and intelligent document processing Develop Power BI dashboards and KPI reporting to measure process performance and track the benefits of improvement and automation projects. Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Competencies Active listener, Conveys communication thoroughly- receptive and responsive Proven Diversity Champion in a dynamic multi-cultural workforce Hands‑on mentality, Take the Initiative, Work as part of a team sharing ideas and results High Emotional Intelligence, Assertive and Confident Flexible and adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands Project Management and Moderation experience Project planning and prioritization Demonstrates group facilitation, presents data effectively; Writes clearly and informatively. Inspires and motivates others to perform well; positively influences the actions and opinions of others. Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment. QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Bachelor’s or Master’s in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. Black Belt certification preferred. 5+ years of experience in similar role with proven record of lean culture implementation. Excellent communication skills. PMP certified - preferred. LEAN tool knowledge and experience (5S, SPC, VSM, Kaizen, SMED, “Design for Lean”, MDI, lean & Six Sigma tools, etc.) Demonstrated experience delivering process automation using RPA (e.g., Power Automate Desktop, UiPath) and/or Microsoft Power Platform. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Travel will be required: International- 10% and Domestic- 25% CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Current Six Sigma Green Belt Certification: A certified Change Agent with leadership skills to develop and deliver Lapp training and projects. You can shape strategy, develop key metrics, collect and apply data that lead to organizational wide modifications to improve quality, productivity and revenue. LANGUAGE SKILLS Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to all levels of management and staff. COMPUTER SKILLS To perform this job successfully, an individual should have experience with SAP, Lotus Notes and be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite 2019. Hands‑on experience is preferred with Microsoft Power Automate (cloud and desktop), Power Apps, Microsoft Lists, Microsoft Forms and Power BI, including Power Query. Preferred experience with RPA platforms AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, AI Builder, generative AI assistants). MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to work with mathematical concepts, financial ratios, and business equations. REASONING ABILITY Ability to think analytically, define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and color vision. COMPENSATION After thorough market analysis, LAPP takes many factors into consideration when determining base salary such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, etc. of the candidate. The base salary range for this role is $135,000 - $150,000 plus participation in LAPP's bonus plan. Medical Vision Dental Paid Time Off Paid Holidays 401(k) HSA/FSA Life Insurance and more! *LAPP is an Equal Opportunity Employer* This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr