Global Operational Excellence Manager

**About EQI**

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 around the globe 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 specific needs. By diversifying our supply base across the globe and offering redundant tooling locations, EQI mitigates risks and maximizes the flexibility to shift production from one location to another. EQI ships to and from multiple ports around the world, supporting our 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.

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

**Essential Functions**:

- Operational Excellence Processes:

- Develop and drive execution of an Operational Excellence Road map to support organizational 1-Year Goals and 3-Year Picture across all functions- Lead key operational initiatives such as Value Added Service (VAS) and New VAS facilities
- Contribute to an environment where all employees have increased opportunities to contribute to the success of the business through Continuous Improvement Efforts
- Develop and implement a standardized operating system (EQI Business System) across all EQI locations (such as operational policies, approach to safety etc.)- Develop and deliver training modules for all levels of the organization such as Intro to Lean, A3 Problem Solving, Kaizen, 5S Workplace Organization, Root Cause Analysis, etc.
- Responsible for identifying, planning, and leading the execution of Lean transformation events- Acts as a change agent by communicating the organization-wide changes to the employees for growing within the continuous improvement culture
- Develop, monitor, and analyze full suite of functional metrics such as cost savings, quality improvements (KPI’s)
- 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, an EQI program that rewards employees for identifying cost reduction opportunities
- Quality Processes:

- Coordinates the development, implementation, and maintenance of EQI’s Quality Management System.
- Develop standards, metrics, and reporting tools that enable monitoring of progress towards the attainment of quality objectives.
- Determines direction to improve product and process quality from EQI’s global supply base.
- Supports EQI global staff with the identification of root cause for all internal and external non-conformances.
- Oversees 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.
- Oversees ISO 9001 (latest version), IATF or equivalent certification of EQI’s global locations
- Other duties as assigned.

**Position 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 the use of lean tools such as Continuous Flow, 5S, Kanban, SMED, TPM, Daily Management
- Demonstrated expertise in management of Quality systems and processes (ISO 9001: 2008, 8D methodology, etc.)
- Knowledge of and working 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)
- Demonstrated 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
- Proficient oral and written communication skills
- High level of analytical ability to assess and identify appropriate alternative courses of action
- Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment in difficult situations
- Ability to effectively organize and plan
- Ability to travel (US and International) an estimated 20%, as needed.

**Benefits and Work Environment