Job Overview

TE Operating Advantage (TEOA) is TE Connectivity's company-wide operational excellence system focused on improving business performance through Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles. By applying proven Lean tools and methodologies, TEOA drives productivity, quality, customer satisfaction, cost reduction, and sustainable operational excellence.

This is a full-time, onsite position reporting directly to the Plant Manager. The role is based in Fairview, NC and supports both the Fairview and Arden manufacturing facilities.

The Continuous Improvement Manager will lead the deployment and sustainment of TEOA initiatives across the sites, driving a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and problem solving. This position requires a hands-on leader with a strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and manufacturing operations who can effectively influence all levels of the organization.

Job Requirements

• Develop and execute site-level TEOA deployment strategies aligned with plant and business unit objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to achieve operational, financial, and customer-focused performance goals.
• Facilitate Lean transformation activities, including Kaizen events, value stream mapping workshops, and process improvement projects.
• Mentor, coach, and develop TEOA Practitioners, Kaizen Facilitators, supervisors, managers, and frontline employees.
• Drive implementation and sustainment of Lean tools and best practices throughout the manufacturing operation.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify opportunities for productivity improvement, waste reduction, quality enhancement, and cost savings.
• Monitor and communicate progress against TEOA metrics, deployment plans, and operational performance targets.
• Lead cross-functional project teams and ensure successful execution of improvement initiatives.
• Develop action plans and ensure accountability through project tracking, visual management, and performance reviews.
• Quantify, validate, and report operational and financial savings generated through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Share best practices across facilities and support continuous improvement initiatives within the broader business unit.
• Foster a culture of employee engagement, problem solving, accountability, and operational excellence.

What your background should look like

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Must be eligible to work under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance.
• 5+ years of experience as a Continuous Improvement Analyst, Continuous Improvement Engineer, Lean Specialist, Operational Excellence Leader, or similar role within a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience leading Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives in a production environment.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean methodologies and delivering measurable operational improvements.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and process optimization projects.
• Experience partnering with manufacturing leadership teams to drive business results.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, coaching, facilitation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to influence teams at all organizational levels, from the shop floor to executive leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification.
• Master's Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related field.
• Experience with TEOA, Operational Excellence, TPM, Theory of Constraints, or Training Within Industry (TWI).
• Formal training in coaching, mentoring, and facilitation.
• Experience leading multi-site manufacturing improvement initiatives.

Travel

• Occasional travel (up to 15-20%) may be required to support other facilities and business initiatives.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Competencies