We are AUTOKINITON

DRIVING SUCCESS FOR THE WORLD'S TOP AUTO MANU FACTURERS.

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At AUTOKINITON, we are more than just an automotive supplier — we are the backbone of vehicle performance and safety. Specializing in high-strength structural components and precision stamping assemblies, our parts are trusted by the world’s leading automakers.

Our dedicated teams, proudly deliver quality parts and assemblies that contribute to vehicle durability and safety. With decades of experience, a passion for continuous improvement, and a forward-thinking approach, we play a critical role in shaping the future of mobility

CAREERS WITH AUTOKINITON

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Building the Future—Together.
Autokiniton is a trusted partner to the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, known for our operational excellence and culture of continuous improvement.

Our core value, “We, not I,” reflects our commitment to collaboration, integrity, and shared success. We cultivate a workplace where independent thinking is encouraged, and every associate plays a vital role in our progress.

Join a high-performance team committed to shaping the future of mobility—with opportunity, purpose, and growth at every turn.

DIRECTOR OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides leadership in all continuous improvement programs and processes including the development, coordination, implementation, and maintenance of continuous improvement programs, processes and services including policy development and compliance.
• Contributes to further enhancing the company’s Lean Production System.
• Hands on leadership and participation in lean events where required.
• Assess training needs and develop tools to effectively address colleague development at all levels of the organization.
• Guides the research, development and implementation of programs and best practices to maximize cost savings through implementation of proactive and innovative programs.
• Reviews and manages all plant continuous improvement management system functions and activities.
• Maintains communications with Plant Managers and continuous improvement colleagues.
• Initiates and drives continuous improvement workshops throughout the organization to establish best practices and eliminate waste.
• Champions the Autokiniton Operating System monthly report out, and monitoring and maintaining all metrics.
• Facilitates Kaizen workshops and meetings with the plants in preparation for monthly report out.
• Responsible for implementation and facilitation for year over year cost saving targets and initiatives.
• Monitors the effectiveness of the Autokiniton Operating System, anticipate problems, implement corrective actions and develop adjustments to the system.
• Directs and drives the utilization of problem-solving methods for related plant and customer issues.

· This full-time salary-exempt role is a part of our Corporate Continuous Improvement team and reports to the Executive Vice President, Operations.

Required experience:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business related field, prefer manufacturing, engineering or quality, master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) – ten (10) years in a manufacturing environment with experience in a metal/s environment preferred, and five (5) years of supervisory/management experience.
• Possess knowledge of plant department functions and corresponding roles and interactions to facilitate overall plant synergy.
• Strong understanding and experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong working knowledge of Operations Planning, Supply Chain Management & Material Flow.
• Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt are desirable
• Strong facilitation, coaching, analytical, problem-solving, project management, and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, facilitation, communication, and presentation skills are necessary.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and statistical analysis software.
• Drive the mapping of workflows, remove waste and non-value-added activities, and recommend solutions. Lead implementation of changes, acting as leader, manager, and mentor of entire organization

Working Conditions:

We’ll provide position-specific details including physical and focused efforts, working environment and conditions, and reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Where you’ll be:

This position is located at our corporate facility in New Boston, MI, offering many community events, resources, programs, and recreational opportunities for you and your family.

Community features:

· Close to Downtown Ann Arbor, MI

· Willow Metro Park

WHY YOU WILL ENJOY WORKING HERE:

Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and up to 15 paid holidays annually, thanks to our generous holiday and holiday bridge schedule. We also provide a tool allowance for our Skilled Trades Associates.

Relocation Assistance: Our company offers comprehensive relocation assistance, including coverage for temporary housing and travel costs for our Skilled Trades and Salaried positions.

Work-Life Balance: Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make it that far. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well-being.

Growth Opportunities : Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.

Learning and Development: We empower all our Associates – from entry-level to senior-level – with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond at AUTOKINITON.

AUTOKINITON Promotes a dynamic and collaborative work environment for everyone.

AUTOKINITON is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. AUTOKINITON makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Required Skills

Required Experience

Minimum qualifications:

· A minimum of a BA or BS degree from an accredited university or college, with a preference for a degree in Early Childhood     Education, Human Development/Services, Public Policy, or a related field

· Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with Early Childhood programs, with a preference for Head Start/Early Head Start       programs

· Experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel; familiarity with Access

· Demonstrated ability to analyze, aggregate, and present data gathered from multiple sources

· Ability to work successfully in a team environment

· Ability to be flexible in response to changing needs and priorities of the office

· Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing

Preferred qualifications include:

·       Knowledge of the Head Start Monitoring System

·       Working knowledge of the current laws, regulations & policies that govern Head Start/Early Head Start

·       Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with the administration of federal grants

·       Advanced experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Access ​