Continuous Improvement Specialist

About the Company

The Heico Companies has grown from a single business to over 78 separate companies through strategic acquisitions and reinvestment in internal growth. Specializing in restoring distressed companies, Heico targets acquisitions in manufacturing, construction, and industrial services, organized into four core groups: Metal Processing Group (MPG), Construction Solutions Group (CSG), Applied Solutions Group (ASG), and Industrial Technologies Group (ITG). Each acquired company operates independently while benefiting from shared knowledge across Heico’s portfolio. The company remains privately held, generating over $3.3 billion in revenues, with many businesses certified as Woman-owned Business Enterprises (WBE).

MPG US, part of the Metal Processing Group, oversees three independent companies with four manufacturing facilities producing steel wire and cable/wire-related products. The independent business model fosters entrepreneurship, professional development, and close customer relationships to meet evolving industry needs. Products are marketed domestically through a direct sales force, manufacturer’s representatives, and independent distributors.

About the Role

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Continuous Improvement Manager leads operational excellence initiatives to improve safety, quality, productivity, machine reliability, and cost performance. The role collaborates with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to drive World Class Manufacturing (WCM), Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement by eliminating waste, optimizing processes, and leading cultural change.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and sustainment of the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) program, embedding Lean principles into daily operations and plant culture.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, machine reliability, OEE, and cost performance.
• Identify, prioritize, and eliminate manufacturing losses using WCM Cost Deployment, Lean tools, and data-driven problem solving.
• Optimize wire manufacturing processes, including wire drawing, galvanizing, stranding, annealing, packaging, material flow, and plant throughput.
• Partner with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, scrap, and process variation.
• Lead Kaizen events, root cause investigations, and process improvement projects while supporting automation and capital improvement initiatives.
• Coach supervisors, managers, and WCM pillar leaders in Lean, change management, and continuous improvement methodologies to build internal capability.
• Collaborate with the Corporate WCM Leader to implement corporate standards, monitor progress, and ensure achievement of operational excellence objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of people leadership and team management experience.
• Strong knowledge of World Class Manufacturing (WCM); certification or direct experience is considered a significant asset.
• Extensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools, including Kaizen, SMED, Value Stream Mapping, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to develop, coach, and mentor talent.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead meetings, workshops, and cross-functional project teams.
• Prior experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen.
• Authorized to work for any employer in the US.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Change Management
• Results Orientation
• Analytical Thinking
• Team Development
• Collaboration and Influence
• Operational Excellence
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Commitment to Health and Safety
• Unquestionable Integrity
• Collaborative Style
• Communication Skills

Physical Requirements

• Able to sit for long periods.
• Able to work in a non-climate-controlled environment.
• Able to lift, push, or pull up to 15 lbs.

Work Environment

The position operates in a professional office environment using standard office equipment. The employee may occasionally be exposed to fluctuating temperatures, loud noise, fumes or airborne particles, and moving mechanical parts.

Pay

$133,000 to $151,000 per year.