Lean Manufacturing Coach / Plant CBS coach

Continental Tire has been around for nearly 150 years, we’ve been changing the way the world moves while making it more safe, smart, sustainable and accessible to all. Our Sumter location is seeking a Lean Manufacturing Coach (Continental Business System (CBS) Coach) to join our Industrial Engineering department,  leading process improvement and driving operational excellence through effective leadership, business team structure, and data-driven decision-making.
Are you ready to shape the future with us?

As the Lean Manufacturing Manager, you will be responsible for managing and optimizing the operations department through lean principles and continuous improvement strategies. A key focus will be structuring and leading cross-functional business teams to drive operational performance and efficiency. You will utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress, identify opportunities, and make data-driven decisions that align with the company's overall goals. You will also coach and mentor team members in lean methods and foster a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Structure:
  • Lead, coach, and structure operational business teams to ensure efficient performance and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
  • Provide guidance and leadership to align teams with lean methodologies and the CBS (Continental Business System) principles.
• Data-Driven Decision Making:
  • Use KPIs as a core management tool to track performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
  • Ensure KPIs align with plant, business unit, and divisional goals, and use this data to drive process improvement initiatives.
• Lean Process Improvement:
  • Spearhead the implementation of lean manufacturing methods such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, and Continuous Improvement (CIP).
  • Establish clear targets and objectives for continuous improvement in alignment with broader business goals.
• Process Optimization & Project Management:
  • Define and manage improvement projects that enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
  • Organize project milestones and establish a reporting structure to monitor the progress of CBS initiatives.
• Training & Development:
  • Provide coaching, training, and mentorship to business unit and division leaders in lean manufacturing philosophy.
  • Ensure that all team members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement CBS principles and tools.
• KPI Monitoring & Reporting:
  • Regularly track, review, and report on KPIs to ensure progress towards operational goals.
  • Take corrective actions as needed and communicate performance updates to leadership teams.
• Cross-Divisional Communication:
  • Ensure smooth collaboration across different business units and divisions, aligning lean activities and creating synergies across teams.
  • Facilitate workshops, meetings, and coaching sessions to support communication and continuous learning.
• Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH) Compliance:
  • Ensure that all operations are in full compliance with ESH regulations.
  • Actively promote a culture of safety and sustainability across the department.

• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering ,Manufacturing Engineering, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in lean manufacturing with a strong background in leadership, coaching, and process improvement.
• Demonstrated experience in using KPIs to manage teams and make data-driven decisions.
• Proven track record in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively manage across multiple functions.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S is required (no visa sponsorship for external candidates)
• Continental is able to offer visa support and relocation for internal candidates

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the tire manufacturing industry

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / AA / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 248.393.5566. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

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