The Director of Operational Improvement is responsible for operational enhancement, managing direct reports, and driving productivity and efficiency across the Exteriors footprint.
Job descriptions may display in multiple languages based on your language selection.
What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
Group Summary:
The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets.
Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.
Job Responsibilities:
The Director of Operational Improvement will be responsible for the operational improvement, complexity reduction and facility optimization. The position may have several direct reports and is central to driving overall productivity, efficiency, waste reduction and standardization of best practices across the Exteriors footprint. This role is a critical part of the Magna Exteriors Operations Excellence Leadership team and a valuable partner to the businesses, R&D, and functional leaders across the group. The position is vital to the development of talent, advancing skillsets that lead to higher capability of leaders and technical talent across the organization. The position will work closely with the Global Director, Operational Excellence in providing input and recommendations to achieve Magna Exterior's operational objectives. This role will report to the Global Director of Operational Excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES:• Develop and implement standard work processes and role based organizational models across Magna Exteriors. These models should drive standardization (where applicable), efficiency, and follow a servant leadership model which empowers and engages all levels of the organization, starting on the shop floor.• Lead the development and deployment of tools and processes such as lean, six sigma, strategy deployment, A3's, value stream mapping & others that can be used when applicable. Tie training and deployment to applicable roles, work processes, and KPI's.• Drive operational excellence programs that deliver productivity, efficiency and waste reduction that meet corporate & budgetary targets.• Create a culture of continuous Improvement mindset at all levels and One Magna Exteriors. Leverage best practices across the organization.• Provide guidance and on-site support to our operational divisions that require assistance in achieving their operational metrics.• Develop tools and standard approaches that drive complexity reduction. This includes but is not limited to product mix, finished goods and intermediates, raw materials, and waste reduction. This work will be closely aligned with businesses, supply chain, procurement, product management, strategy and technical.• Develop and champion technical growth & development of employees, which includes recognition, career mapping, external and internal training & experiences, diversity & inclusion, & succession planning.• Effectively network and communicate within Group and Magna to utilize Operational Excellence resources within the company.• Utilize effective communication with Employees, Managers, Divisions and Customers.• Adhere to applicable quality systems• Adhere to and promote the Employee Charter and work within the rules, regulations and guidelines of the Magna Exteriors Employee Handbook• Perform all job functions in a safe and healthful manner, abiding by all health, safety and environmental rules and regulations, promoting safety in the workplace• Report all accidents/incidents and unsafe conditions/behavior• Conduct business in an ethical manner in compliance with the Magna Code of Conduct• Take on any special projects as assigned by management• Perform other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:• BS or Higher (preferably in engineering or pertinent demonstrated experience).
EXPERIENCE:• Extensive knowledge and demonstrated, sustainable results in continuous improvement & preferably operation's roles.• Minimum 10 years of experience as a LEAN practitioner with strong experience with the entire LEAN toolkit and demonstrated success with the implementation of LEAN throughout Supply Chain & Operations.• Minimum 10 years of experience in operations, manufacturing or product development with experience in the Automotive Industry strongly preferred. Strong understanding of APQP beneficial.• Demonstrated success in driving medium to large scale capital projects to improve material handling, inventory storage and retrieval, machine setup and utilization, product/service quality, safety, and information management.• Experience in various manufacturing departments or support team (i.e. Maintenance, Automation) will be considered an asset
SKILLS:• Experience leading multiple complex projects or teams globally.• Strong communication, networking, & facilitation skills.• Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing processes and equipment.• Data and process driven.• Ability to work & lead and across functions & businesses seamlessly.• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and handle many activities simultaneously.• Strategic leader with a strong competency and bias on results & agility.• Demonstrated ability to work and support multiple businesses and align function with business goals and strategy.
Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:
At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.
Worker Type:
Regular / Permanent
Group:
Magna Exteriors
What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
Group Summary:
The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets.
Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.
Job Responsibilities:
The Director of Operational Improvement will be responsible for the operational improvement, complexity reduction and facility optimization. The position may have several direct reports and is central to driving overall productivity, efficiency, waste reduction and standardization of best practices across the Exteriors footprint. This role is a critical part of the Magna Exteriors Operations Excellence Leadership team and a valuable partner to the businesses, R&D, and functional leaders across the group. The position is vital to the development of talent, advancing skillsets that lead to higher capability of leaders and technical talent across the organization. The position will work closely with the Global Director, Operational Excellence in providing input and recommendations to achieve Magna Exterior's operational objectives. This role will report to the Global Director of Operational Excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES:• Develop and implement standard work processes and role based organizational models across Magna Exteriors. These models should drive standardization (where applicable), efficiency, and follow a servant leadership model which empowers and engages all levels of the organization, starting on the shop floor.• Lead the development and deployment of tools and processes such as lean, six sigma, strategy deployment, A3's, value stream mapping & others that can be used when applicable. Tie training and deployment to applicable roles, work processes, and KPI's.• Drive operational excellence programs that deliver productivity, efficiency and waste reduction that meet corporate & budgetary targets.• Create a culture of continuous Improvement mindset at all levels and One Magna Exteriors. Leverage best practices across the organization.• Provide guidance and on-site support to our operational divisions that require assistance in achieving their operational metrics.• Develop tools and standard approaches that drive complexity reduction. This includes but is not limited to product mix, finished goods and intermediates, raw materials, and waste reduction. This work will be closely aligned with businesses, supply chain, procurement, product management, strategy and technical.• Develop and champion technical growth & development of employees, which includes recognition, career mapping, external and internal training & experiences, diversity & inclusion, & succession planning.• Effectively network and communicate within Group and Magna to utilize Operational Excellence resources within the company.• Utilize effective communication with Employees, Managers, Divisions and Customers.• Adhere to applicable quality systems• Adhere to and promote the Employee Charter and work within the rules, regulations and guidelines of the Magna Exteriors Employee Handbook• Perform all job functions in a safe and healthful manner, abiding by all health, safety and environmental rules and regulations, promoting safety in the workplace• Report all accidents/incidents and unsafe conditions/behavior• Conduct business in an ethical manner in compliance with the Magna Code of Conduct• Take on any special projects as assigned by management• Perform other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:• BS or Higher (preferably in engineering or pertinent demonstrated experience).
EXPERIENCE:• Extensive knowledge and demonstrated, sustainable results in continuous improvement & preferably operation's roles.• Minimum 10 years of experience as a LEAN practitioner with strong experience with the entire LEAN toolkit and demonstrated success with the implementation of LEAN throughout Supply Chain & Operations.• Minimum 10 years of experience in operations, manufacturing or product development with experience in the Automotive Industry strongly preferred. Strong understanding of APQP beneficial.• Demonstrated success in driving medium to large scale capital projects to improve material handling, inventory storage and retrieval, machine setup and utilization, product/service quality, safety, and information management.• Experience in various manufacturing departments or support team (i.e. Maintenance, Automation) will be considered an asset
SKILLS:• Experience leading multiple complex projects or teams globally.• Strong communication, networking, & facilitation skills.• Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing processes and equipment.• Data and process driven.• Ability to work & lead and across functions & businesses seamlessly.• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and handle many activities simultaneously.• Strategic leader with a strong competency and bias on results & agility.• Demonstrated ability to work and support multiple businesses and align function with business goals and strategy.
Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:
At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.
Worker Type:
Regular / Permanent
Group:
Magna Exteriors
Top Skills
Apqp
Lean
Six Sigma
Similar Jobs at Magna International
Automotive • Hardware • Robotics • Software • Transportation • Manufacturing
Develops human resources strategies and leads HR department, manages employee relations, and ensures compliance with labor laws while supporting organizational goals.
Top Skills:
Application SoftwareHris Systems
Automotive • Hardware • Robotics • Software • Transportation • Manufacturing
The Senior Manager will oversee IT support for manufacturing, drive business development, lead teams, and manage budget responsibilities while fostering innovation and process improvement.
Top Skills:
AIDigitalizationErpLesMesSAP
Automotive • Hardware • Robotics • Software • Transportation • Manufacturing
The Manager, Program Quality leads a team ensuring product quality throughout the lifecycle by overseeing problem-solving, risk assessments, and compliance with standards in system, hardware, and software development.
Top Skills:
AspiceCybersecurityEmbedded SystemsExcelFunctional SafetyMicrosoft Office (WordPowerpoint)Software Development
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

