CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (CI) MANAGER
Location: Head Office (Tay Thanh, Tan Phu Dist., HCMC) / TCM Factory Locations
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer (COO) / CEO
👉 Position Overview: Operating as a premier vertical textile and garment manufacturer, our production flow spans across highly complex and distinct stages: Spinning, Knitting/Weaving, Dyeing, and Sewing manufacturing. We are seeking a highly analytical and deeply experienced Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to drive operational excellence across this entire value chain. The core mission of this role is to eliminate process bottlenecks, minimize Work-In-Process (WIP) inventory between factories, optimize resource utilization, and foster a culture of Lean manufacturing. You will act as the vital "bridge" ensuring seamless coordination and efficiency across all interconnected production facilities.
Key Responsibilities:
A. Vertical Process Optimization & Bottleneck Resolution
- Analyze the end-to-end production flow (Spinning -> Knitting/Weaving -> Dyeing -> Sewing) to identify bottlenecks, constraints, and process disconnects.
- Design and implement solutions to synchronize production schedules across different factories, significantly reducing lead times and WIP inventory.
- Map complex value streams (Value Stream Mapping - VSM) to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities (Muda) in material handling, quality handovers, and transition phases between facilities.
B. Lean Six Sigma Implementation
- Lead and execute high-impact CI projects using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, and PDCA methodologies.
- Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing excellence, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), Cycle Time, Defect Rate, and Yield across all plants.
- Partner closely with the Dyeing and Sewing Plant Managers to optimize chemical usage, reduce energy consumption, and minimize fabric wastage/fallout.
C. Cross-Functional Coordination & Change Management
- Act as a central mediator to resolve operational conflicts and align priorities between standalone factory units (e.g., balancing the output of the Dyeing factory with the input needs of the Sewing factory).
- Collaborate with the Sales, Planning, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance (QA) departments to ensure smooth material flow and prevent production standstills.
- Drive a top-down and bottom-up continuous improvement mindset. Train, coach, and mentor production staff, supervisors, and middle management on Lean tools and problem-solving techniques.
D. Data-Driven System Enhancement
- Leverage ERP and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to extract production data, analyze variance, and provide actionable insights to the Board of Management.
- Standardize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all manufacturing units to ensure consistency and compliance.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification is highly required.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Process Engineering, or Lean Manufacturing.
- Must have experience in a complex Manufacturing environment. Direct experience in Textile/Garment, especially in a vertical setup (Spinning to Garment), is a massive advantage.
- Skills & Competencies:
- Proven ability to manage cross-functional projects and break down departmental silos.
- Strong statistical analysis skills and proficiency in using data to drive decision-making.
- Excellent leadership, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, from factory floor workers to the executive board.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken) to present business cases and report to senior management.
