Continuous Improvement Lead - 1st Shift

About the role

This position builds upon all responsibilities of the Continuous Improvement Technician Levels 1–3. The Continuous Improvement Lead is expected to demonstrate proficiency in all CI Technician competencies while leading larger cross-functional improvement projects, mentoring technicians, facilitating Kaizen events, and supporting Lean deployment across multiple Morgan Truck Body facilities.

As a Continuous Improvement Lead, you'll be a catalyst for operational excellence, partnering with leaders across the organization to identify opportunities, eliminate waste, improve safety, increase productivity, and reduce costs. You'll lead Lean initiatives, coach team members, facilitate Kaizen events, and help build a culture of continuous improvement throughout Morgan Truck Body.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive Lean initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and team engagement across the facility.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time to Morgan Truck Body locations to support improvement projects, conduct assessments, facilitate training, and share best practices.
• Demonstrated proficiency in 5S, Kaizen facilitation, SQDCIT, Lean training, time studies, project sustainment, and mentoring team members.
• Serve as the site's Lean champion by coaching team members in Lean manufacturing principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Lead cross-functional improvement projects from concept through implementation while ensuring measurable and sustainable results.
• Mentor others in Continuous improvement applications, while developing future Lean leaders.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate Kaizen events that drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Lead facility-wide 5S implementation, audits, sustainment, and continuous improvements.
• Facilitate current and future state value stream mapping to identify opportunities and eliminate non-value-added activities.
• Coach and support SQDCIT teams to improve operational performance and accountability.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities utilizing A3 Thinking, PDCA, Fishbone, 5 Why, and other Lean tools.
• Develop, implement, and sustain standardized work practices that improve consistency and performance.
• Monitor KPIs, analyze trends, identify opportunities, and communicate improvement results to leadership.
• Evaluate project savings, return on investment, and operational improvements resulting from Lean initiatives.
• Maintain project documentation, improvement roadmaps, standard work, and implementation tracking.
• Support fabrication of fixtures, workstations, tooling, and process improvements as needed.
• Coordinate materials, equipment, and supplies required to support Continuous Improvement projects.
• Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, Human Resources, and Supply Chain to achieve strategic objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Lead by example while promoting Morgan's values and driving positive organizational change.

Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years of manufacturing experience with demonstrated success leading Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Previous experience leading Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, or Operational Excellence projects.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles including: 5S, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, Waste Elimination, Kanban, SMED, Root Cause Analysis, PDCA.
• Proven leadership experience influencing teams without direct authority.
• Excellent coaching, mentoring, and facilitation skills.
• Strong presentation and communication skills with all organizational levels.
• Ability to lead change while building trust and engagement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and presenting operational performance metrics.
• Microsoft Office proficiency including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams.
• Welding, fabrication, fixture construction, or manufacturing process experience is preferred.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% to support Morgan Truck Body facilities.

Physical Requirements

This position works in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where communication, collaboration, and visibility on the production floor are essential. Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and use of hands are required throughout the workday. The role occasionally requires lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 30 pounds while supporting improvement activities, training, and project implementation.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement and leadership development.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• On-demand pay.
• Employee discounts on footwear, eyewear, and safety equipment.
• Opportunities to lead enterprise-wide Continuous Improvement initiatives and grow your career.