Continuous Improvement Manager
Lead the Lean initiative and help sustain a Lean transformation by administering continuous improvement activities and providing hands-on technical support. Serve as a facilitator of Kaizen activities and other tools that will drive Lean methodology throughout the organization. Drive cultural change that supports the technical implementation of Lean. Trains suppliers in Lean manufacturing techniques and leads factory Kaizen events to eliminate waste from the supplier's manufacturing processes, resulting in lower product costs for AutoZone. Assesses current and potential suppliers, through intense review of their manufacturing and quality systems, with the goal of improving and enhancing the AutoZone supply base. Improves product quality and reduces warranty costs by identifying warranty drivers, performing teardown analyses to determine root causes of failures, and working with suppliers to identify and implement corrective actions that address root causes of failures. Acts as manufacturing and quality consultant for Merchandising department and assists in competitive benchmarking activities.
Responsibilities
- Trains suppliers in Lean manufacturing techniques and leads factory Kaizen events to eliminate waste from the supplier's manufacturing processes, resulting in lower product costs for AutoZone.
- Participate in and/or lead improvement activities with customers, vendors, and suppliers.
- Assist with corporate-wide, best practices, and standards and assist management to determine financial impact of improvement activities.
- Handles day to day issues, such as product recalls and store testing issues. Supports line review process by reporting on quality and cost improvement activities.
- Assesses current and potential suppliers, through on-site audits of their manufacturing and quality systems, with the goal of improving the AutoZone supply base.
- Create, formalize, document, and administer continuous improvement activities that will drive Lean methodology throughout the organization.
- Develops value stream maps, establish goals and objectives, and establishes processes and procedures.
- Coordinate with outside consultants on Lean initiatives and projects, when needed.
Requirements
- Level of Formal Education: A Master's degree (MA, MS, MBA) or equivalent.
- Area of Study: Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Quality Engineering.
- Years of Experience: More than seven years.
- Type of Experience: Automotive component manufacturing.
- Special Certifications or Technical Skills: Strong Lean manufacturing implementation experience and proven ability to lead Kaizen improvement activities, with emphasis on the following techniques: value stream mapping, cellular manufacturing, 5S, TQM, QS9/ISO9 assessment experience, training in APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning), Knowledge of Six Sigma methodology, Product launch experience, Kaizen blitz experience, Project management experience, strong written and oral communication skills, strong computer skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, and Visio.
- Other/Preferred: CQE (Certified Quality Engineer), CME (Certified Manufacturing Engineer), PE (professional engineer), Six Sigma Black Belt.
Since opening our first store in 1979, AutoZone has grown into a leading retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories across the Americas. Our customer-first mindset and commitment to Going the Extra Mile define who we are, for both our customers and AutoZoners. Working at AutoZone means being part of a team that values dedication, teamwork, and growth. Whether you're helping customers or building your career, we provide tools and support to help you succeed and drive your future.
Benefits at AutoZone
AutoZone offers thoughtful benefits programs with one-on-one benefits guidance designed to improve AutoZoners' physical, mental and financial well-being.
All AutoZoners (Full-Time and Part-Time):
- Competitive pay
- Unrivaled company culture
- Medical, dental and vision plans
- Exclusive discounts and perks, including an AutoZone in-store discount
- 401(k) with company match and Stock Purchase Plan
- AutoZoners Living Well Program for free mental health support
- Opportunities for career growth
Additional Benefits for Full-Time AutoZoners:
- Paid time off
- Life, and short- and long-term disability insurance options
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts with wellness rewards
- Tuition reimbursement
Minimum age requirements may apply. Eligibility and waiting period requirements may apply; benefits for AutoZoners in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may differ. Learn more about all that AutoZone has to offer at Careers.AutoZone.com. We proudly support Veterans, Active-duty Service Members, Reservists, National Guard and Military Families. Your experience is highly valued, and we encourage you to apply to join our team.
An online application is required. Click the Apply button to complete your application. For step-by-step instructions on how to apply visit careers.autozone.com/candidateresources. AutoZone, and its subsidiary, ALLDATA are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other legally protected categories.