Continuous Improvement Program Manager Jobs in California

The Company

The Heico Companies has a history of success. Since its founding over 40 years ago The Heico Companies has grown from a single business to over 78 separate companies through a strategic acquisition policy, and by reinvesting its earnings into internal growth and new prospects. Historically talented at restoring distressed companies, Heico now strategically targets acquisitions that will complement its ever-growing portfolio of companies in manufacturing, construction, and industrial services.

These four core operations are organized into groups: Metal Processing Group (MPG), Construction Solutions Group (CSG), Applied Solutions Group (ASG), and Industrial Technologies Group (ITG). Once acquired, new Heico companies are assigned to a group and run on a stand-alone basis, allowing for great independence as well as the opportunity to share knowledge about markets, production processes, and management practices across other Heico groups and companies. Each Group has its own corporate team. Heico continues to seek out new opportunities and maintain its standard of success. The Heico Companies has remained a privately held company since its creation and maintains a majority ownership in each of its operations, which generates more than $3.3 billion dollars in revenues. Many of our businesses are certified Woman-owned Business Enterprises (WBE).

More information about the holding company and overall organization can be found at www.heicocompanies.com

MPG US is the parent of three independent companies (four manufacturing facilities) which produce steel wire and cable/wire related products that serve many industries. The independent business model fosters entrepreneurship and growth and allows professional development at all levels.

Our philosophy of developing a close customer contact to provide prompt, responsive service and to meet our customer's changing needs allows us to be leaders within our respective industries. Products are marketed domestically through a direct sales force, manufacturer's representatives and an established network of independent distributors. Our company is diverse and has a solid management base, product/market niches and efficient manufacturing capabilities.

Pay: $133k to $151k

The Position

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Continuous Improvement Manager leads operational excellence initiatives that improve safety, quality, productivity, machine reliability, and cost performance. Working closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain, the role drives World Class Manufacturing (WCM), Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement by eliminating waste, optimizing manufacturing processes, implementing the plant's operational roadmap, and leading cultural change to achieve sustainable operational excellence.

• 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 improve 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.

Job Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• 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.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Change Management
• Results Orientation
• Analytical Thinking
• Team Development
• Collaboration and Influence
• Operational Excellence
• Problem Solving
• Project Management

Physical Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen.
• Prior experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Be able to sit for long periods.
• Able to work in a non-climate-controlled environment.
• Able to lift, push, or pull up to 15lbs.
• Authorized to work for any employer in the US.

Key Leadership Competencies

• Commitment to Health and Safety– The HR Generalist must continually demonstrate an unequivocal commitment to the highest standards of health and safety for the workforce and be a leader in ensuring the company maintains its high levels of environmental performance
• Unquestionable Integrity- Demonstrates the highest degree of integrity when engaging with employees, vendors and stakeholders. Leads ethically by example and fosters a culture firmly grounded in the values of the organization
• Collaborative Style– Engages in problem solving and decision making. Is adept at bringing people together to tackle issues rather than dictate solutions. Has a collegial, inclusive working style and is professional and courteous. Builds strong relationships both internally and externally. Is both confident and humble
• Communication Skills- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively deliver and reinforce consistent messages at all levels. Excellent listening skills

Work Environment - The position operates in a professional office environment using standard office equipment such as computers, iPads, phones, copiers and filing cabinets.  The employee is occasionally exposed to fluctuating temperatures, loud noise, fumes or airborne particles and moving mechanical parts. 

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.