About this role
Lead, Division CI
Job Purpose: A Manager of Continuous Improvement is part of the Strategic Operations team responsible for developing, leading, and sustaining the site’s Continuous Improvement strategy through the Lean methodology while leveraging other problem-solving and operational excellence tools as needed. The primary focus of this position is to drive organizational performance, enable strategic decision-making, develop leaders, and ensure continuous improvement efforts to deliver measurable operational and financial results. The Manager of Continuous Improvement will work in coordination with facility leadership to transform operations and implement systems and a culture that drive flow, develop people, and deliver financial results and an exceptional customer experience through Lean principles.
Company Description: Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.
Education / Training: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; or related field;
Key Job Elements: • Develop leaders and establish systems that enable identification of constraints, direct observation of work, problem solving at the source, elimination of waste, alignment on priorities and execution, and continuous increases in customer value delivery; • Lead the strategic transformation of operations in partnership with facility leadership and drive the deployment and sustainment of Continuous Improvement initiatives; • Direct and oversee cross-functional teams in the Continuous Improvement process, with special emphasis on developing internal capability through coaching, facilitation, and teaching of plant leadership and employees; • Drive systematic waste elimination and process optimization initiatives across manufacturing and business operations through direct observation and hands-on problem solving; • Lead Continuous Improvement efforts with a customer-focused mindset and a sense of urgency while ensuring alignment with business objectives; • Establish performance measurement systems and leverage data analytics to support strategic decision-making, prioritization, and execution of improvement initiatives; • Own the development, standardization, and continuous enhancement of Continuous Improvement processes, tools, process maps, business requirements, and standard work; • Establish, monitor, and drive achievement of key Continuous Improvement performance metrics and business improvement targets; • Lead the development and implementation of operational methods, work standards, and best practices using various techniques to optimize business performance, improve quality, and increase velocity; • Provide leadership, guidance, and governance for Continuous Improvement efforts across the Infrastructure Business Unit as required.
Qualifications and Experience: • Experience working with Safety, Quality, Planning, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Engineering, Finance, Machining, Fabrication, Assembly, Material Handling, and Sales functions; • 10 years of experience in Process Validation and Improvement, Quality, Manufacturing Operations, or Supply Chain responsibilities preferred; • 8 years of experience leading transformational operational improvement initiatives that delivered measurable financial results and customer value preferred; • 3 to 5 years of leadership experience developing, coaching, and mentoring Continuous Improvement professionals and operational leaders; • Demonstrated experience with Lean Methodology and knowledge of Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints; Black Belt and Lean certifications preferred; • Experience with problem-solving methodologies including Shainin, Ishikawa diagrams, 5 Whys, 8D, and other root cause analysis techniques.
Essential and Physical Activities Functions • Strength – Position typically involves work in an office environment with occasional visits to a production environment. Frequent/constant sitting. Occasional standing and walking. Occasional light to medium-level lifting or carrying (up to 30 pounds); • Motion – Position regularly requires standard motions associated with working in an office environment. Depending on assigned project, position may occasionally require motions involved in an industrial working environment, including some kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, grasping; • Vision/Hearing Requirements – Frequent verbal communications, including both talking and hearing; • Work Environment – Position is typically located in an office environment with occasional visits to a light production environment; • Emotional Demands – Working at a high level independently and in a team setting. Requires significant interpersonal skills; • Safety – Position may occasionally require the use of Personal Protective Equipment during visits to production areas.
EEO: Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
Benefits: Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.** • Competitive Salary • 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting) • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance • Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money • Flexible Spending Accounts • Paid Vacation • Paid Holidays • Paid Time-Off (PTO) • Employee Assistance Plan • Education Assistance Program • Employee Recognition Programs • Site specific Production and Incentive Plans • Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans • Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits. **Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.