Continuous Improvement Manager

EQI is fluent in doing business around the world, so our customers do not have to be. EQI provides line-ready metal components to large manufacturers globally utilizing a global supply chain. EQI manages every aspect of the product life-cycle—from Product Development to Production Qualification to Logistics and Vendor Managed Inventory Services—letting its customers choose specific services and locations to meet their needs. By diversifying our supply base across the globe and offering redundant tooling locations, EQI mitigates risks and maximizes flexibility to shift production from one location to another. EQI ships to and from multiple ports worldwide, supporting customers with full vendor-managed inventory services at the end location. EQI is headquartered in Spring Lake, Michigan, with offices in Canada, China, Vietnam, India, and Northern Ireland.

About the Role

The Operational Excellence Manager is an influential leader responsible for driving a culture of sustainable change through quality and continuous improvement methodologies. This position reports to the SVP of Operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive execution of an Operational Excellence Roadmap to support organizational 1-Year Goals and 3-Year Picture across all functions.
• Lead key operational initiatives, including Value Added Service (VAS) facility growth via additional/new processes and new VAS facilities (feasibility and business plan).
• Foster an environment where all employees contribute to business success through Continuous Improvement Efforts.
• Develop and implement a standardized operating system (EQI Business System) across all EQI locations, including operational policies, processes, and rhythms for effective and efficient management, with a consistent approach to Safety, Quality, Focus, Branding, and Resource Planning.
• Develop and deliver training modules for all organizational levels, such as Intro to Lean, A3 Problem Solving, Kaizen, 5S Workplace Organization, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Identify, plan, and lead Lean transformation events to improve safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and productivity (SQDIP).
• Act as a change agent by communicating organization-wide changes and helping employees adapt and grow within a continuous improvement culture.
• Develop, monitor, and analyze functional metrics (KPIs) to identify trends or opportunities for cost savings, cost avoidance, and quality improvements.
• Interface with customers and suppliers to adopt best practices where possible.
• Organize GEMBA walks/Go See Engage for Senior Leaders.
• Oversee global execution of the IDEA Program, rewarding employees for identifying cost-reduction opportunities.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and maintenance of EQI’s Quality Management System to comply with customer, registrar, and company requirements.
• Develop standards, metrics, and reporting tools to monitor progress toward quality objectives.
• Improve product and process quality from EQI’s global supply base through hands-on problem-solving at partner foundries, coordinating with Supplier Quality Engineers, Engineering, and Quality teams.
• Support EQI global staff in identifying root causes for internal and external non-conformances.
• Oversee management of internal EQI and supplier audits as required by customers and the Company’s Quality Management System.
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and mentoring to the EQI Quality Manager.
• Oversee ISO 9001 (latest version), IATF, or equivalent certification of EQI’s global locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Business from a four-year accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience.
• 7+ years of relevant work experience in manufacturing preferred.
• Proficient in lean tools such as Continuous Flow, 5S, Kanban, SMED, TPM, and Daily Management.
• Demonstrated ability to investigate quality problems and apply sound technical judgment to develop solutions.
• Hands-on problem solver with a tenacious approach to determining root causes and ensuring corrective actions are implemented and verified for ongoing compliance.
• Expertise in managing Quality systems and processes (ISO 9001:2008, 8D methodology, etc.).
• Knowledge of and experience in metal castings of various processes preferred:
  • Processes: Resin/Green/Vacuum Sand Castings, Investment Castings, Die Castings.
  • Materials: Gray Iron, Steel, Ductile Iron, Aluminum.
• Proficient in engineering print reading, interpretation, and part measurement.
• Knowledge of AIAG standards (PFD, FMEA, Control Plans, APQP).
• Demonstrated knowledge of Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T).
• Knowledge of probability, statistical quality control, and design of experiments.
• Experience with Six Sigma tools and methodology preferred.
• Familiarity with supplier quality standards, policies, and procedures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• High level of interpersonal skills to effectively lead, motivate, and facilitate others in group situations, including personnel from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• High analytical ability to assess and identify appropriate alternative courses of action for unique and diverse problems.
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment in difficult situations.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to travel (U.S. and International) an estimated 20%, as needed.

Benefits

• EQI funds 100% of the monthly costs of basic benefits:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• Participation in a 401(k) plan with company match and discretionary profit sharing.
• Reimbursable health club membership.
• Competitive vacation policy with 11 paid holidays each year.
• Flexible work hours to accommodate family requirements/travel schedules.
• Industry-leading base and incentive compensation (bonus) plan for exceptional employees.

EQI provides a dynamic, open, and collaborative work environment where every team member is valued and rewarded for their contributions.