Continuous Improvement Manager - Cobalt Boats
On-siteNeodesha, Kansas, United States or Cobalt Village, Missouri, United States
Job Summary
Drive operational excellence across MBI manufacturing by reducing Cost of Poor Quality through A3 thinking, 8D, and DMAIC methodologies. Lead cross-functional problem-solving workshops to eliminate internal and external failures in hull fabrication, upholstery, and rigging while establishing brand baseline COPQ metrics. Implement Lean principles including visual management, 5S, and Layered Process Audits to optimize takt alignment and reduce waste in high-mix, custom boat assembly. Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to translate dealer feedback into actionable improvements that enhance first-pass yield and on-water customer experience. Maintain daily Gemba meetings and tiered accountability systems to track KPIs such as rework hours, warranty costs, and throughput during ramp-up and peak production cycles.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field
- 8–10+ years of experience in manufacturing, continuous improvement, and/or operational excellence activities
- Strong experience driving quality improvement and cost of poor-quality reduction
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated performance and experience in marine, automotive, RV, or other high-mix assembly environments preferred
- Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills
- Excellent communication, training, and facilitation abilities
- Experience with data analysis, modern QMS tools, and advanced manufacturing concepts
- Deep expertise in Root cause problem solving (A3, 8D, DMAIC)
- COPQ analysis and budgetary impact modeling
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Experience with industry materials and finishing processes strongly preferred
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt) preferred
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