Continuous Improvement Manager

The Continuous Improvement (CI)/Integration Manager collaborates closely with the Plant Manager to lead and coordinate Continuous Improvement initiatives at the site. The role involves identifying, analyzing, proposing, and implementing strategies to optimize resource utilization across materials, labor, utilities, and equipment. The CI Manager partners with various functional areas to drive change throughout the facility, ensuring cost-saving targets are met within plant operations. In addition to their strategic responsibilities, the CI Manager acts as a coach and mentor to managers, supervisors, and team members. This includes fostering a zero-loss manufacturing culture and building Lean Manufacturing skills across the organization. By empowering all team members to identify and eliminate waste and inefficiencies. The CI Manager/Integration plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable improvements and operational excellence with systems such MES, Oracle, and Quality.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, lead time reduction, yield improvements
• Plan, facilitate and execute continuous improvement events as well as lead long term projects
• Owns the development, implementation and execution of the plant’s for the Annual Operating Plan Savings
• Uses six sigma and lean disciplines to drive continuous improvement projects, lead teams, coach, and mentor factory personnel.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends, root causes, and measure the effectiveness of improvement projects.
• Partners with the entire plant team to identify and prioritize losses
• Manage improvement projects from initiation to completion, including setting goals, timelines and performance metrics.
• Facilitate change management processes to ensure smooth implementation of new processes and minimize resistance.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the impact of continuous improvement
• Provides technical expertise and input in resolving bottlenecks to throughput; determines efficient methods for worker and equipment utilization.
• Leads critical cost savings projects using project management tools
• Manages development and execution of the plant Productivity Deck (list of CI projects for the year)
• Report status and results of projects to stakeholders
• Develops management systems, establishes work measurement programs, and performs line workload observations to develop standards for labor and materials utilization.
• Works hand in hand with functional department representatives to create task teams and leads brainstorming to identify areas of improvement; proposes and implement continuous improvements initiatives.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional teams from various departments to identify and address process improvement opportunities
• Provides analysis, input, and support for the budget process.
• Prepares and gives formal presentations to management about projects progress and direction.
• Prepares cost /benefit analyses and presents recommendations to management.
• Ensure the benefits generated by the projects are properly measured and that the impact on total costs are validated by finance
• Train and coach the plant leaders, project leaders, and others as needed on the Focused Improvement methodologies
• Builds skills and capabilities on Continuous Improvement tools such as Zero Base Analysis, Process Mapping, 5-Why Analysis, Rapid Changeover, Line Balancing, Waste Walk, Kaizen, DMAIC, etc. across all functions of the plant
• Ensures standardization of CI methods across the plant.
• Tracks and ensure sustainability of improvements
• Reports out progress of cost savings execution
• Share best practices and adopt best practices from other plants
• Build collaborative relationships with business partners.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills:

• BS or BE degree preferably in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering
• 5 years experience in continuous improvement and using statistical analysis
• 3 years experience managing teams
• Cost accounting experience or financial acumen is a plus
• Change Enabler
• Must have very strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and software
• Highly self-motivated; able to work with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of TPM, with advanced understanding of Focused Improvement Pillar
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification Preferred
• Application of Continuous Improvement Tools (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM)
• Strong PC skills, including the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point, and Minitab
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Experience leading teams and facilitating meetings
• Ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate up and down the organization
• A proven track record of results with a bias for action

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Yes

About Knowles

Knowles is a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components. We design parts that perform unique, critical functions for innovative technologies. Through extreme reliability, custom engineering, and scalable manufacturing, we enable businesses to succeed in the most demanding applications across medtech, defense, and industrial markets.

Our high-performance capacitors, RF and microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armature speakers, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries.

What's in it for you on Day 1:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance plans
• Prescription Drug Plans
• Basic Life Insurance
• 401k plan with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Hourly Overtime opportunities
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Exciting Onsite Perks:

• Free coffee available at our cafeteria
• Employee Appreciation Events

Knowles is committed to providing a competitive and fair total compensation package for all employees.

Individual compensation decisions are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to previous experience and skills acquired prior to joining Knowles, cost of living in the assigned work location, assigned schedule, and salaries of similarly situated peers at the company. It is to be expected that candidates will come to us with different sets of skills and experiences and therefore will be paid at different points in the stated range. We recognize that the person(s) we select for hire may be less experienced or more experienced than the role as posted; if this is the case, any updates to available salary ranges will be communicated with candidates during the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Knowles Precision Devices prohibits pay discrimination and discrimination of any kind based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status.

ITAR Statement: Please note that this position may require access to technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status) or have the necessary authorization to access controlled technical data. Compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations is a condition of employment.

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