ACE MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

An ACE Manager owns a site's continuous improvement program, driving measurable gains in process efficiency across production or operations floors. In manufacturing and fulfillment environments, this means applying structured methodologies - Lean, kaizen, and 5S - to operational problems ranging from shop floor throughput to training compliance. The role translates executive CI strategy into frontline daily practice, reporting upward to senior leadership while coaching associates and department heads alike. ACE certification achievement is the visible test.

As the ACE Manager, you serve as the primary driver of Lean-based performance improvement across a manufacturing or fulfillment site, translating corporate CI targets into certified, auditable results. You work directly with department heads and frontline associates to sustain standardized work, close production bottlenecks, and build the coaching capacity that sustains CI gains over time.

Career Impact: In manufacturing and operations environments, ACE certification ownership and cross-functional audit accountability signal CI leadership maturity that makes ACE Managers competitive for plant director and operations VP career tracks.

Business Impact: When shop floor throughput ratios fall, and training compliance audits fail, the ACE Manager's structured interventions are what close the gap between a site's current OEE and its corporate target.

Growth Opportunity: Mastering kaizen facilitation and the Toyota Production System problem-solving model at the site level opens doors to enterprise-wide CI director roles, where scope expands from a single floor to a multi-site network.

• Drive site-wide continuous improvement programs using kaizen, 5S, and Lean methodologies to elevate process efficiency and quality outcomes.
• Lead and develop a team of associates, owning performance management, goal-setting, evaluations, and day-to-day conflict resolution.
• Mentor frontline associates and emerging managers on structured problem-solving methods to build lasting CI capability across departments.
• Monitor and audit the site's ACE program status, tracking improvement outcomes against corporate certification milestones and targets.
• Identify operational risks through reporting and trend analysis, then propose targeted CI interventions to senior leadership and department heads.
• Develop site performance goals aligned to network-wide objectives and hold associates accountable to standardized work and compliance expectations.
• Deliver CI training that strengthens associate understanding of Lean principles, certification requirements, and ACE tool application.

Tracking kaizen events and training completion against ACE certification milestones is central here, and worked ace manager resume examples show how to present these responsibilities as measurable outcomes.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5 or more years of continuous improvement, lean operations, or team leadership experience within a manufacturing or fulfillment environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Lean principles, kaizen methodology, and structured problem-solving frameworks such as the Toyota Production System.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional groups, manage competing priorities, and deliver results against site-level performance targets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience identifying root causes and proposing data-grounded operational interventions.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present findings to senior leadership and facilitate training.
• Project management capability, with a track record of delivering improvement initiatives on time and to measurable outcomes.

The Green Belt or Black Belt requirement signals how seriously employers weigh formal CI credentials, and the competencies postings formally require are benchmarked against real postings on the skills page.

• Lean Six Sigma certification at Green Belt level or above, demonstrating formal proficiency in structured CI methodology.
• Prior experience in automotive manufacturing or reconditioning operations, with familiarity with vehicle inspection and production line standards.
• Ability to interpret operational reporting data and make administrative or procedural decisions that keep compliance and standards on track.

• ACE certification status, reflecting whether site programs meet corporate CI requirements.
• Training completion rate measures how consistently CI concepts reach associates and leads across the site.
• Number of kaizen events completed per quarter, indicating active CI culture penetration on the floor.
• Audit finding closure rate, showing how quickly identified gaps are corrected to standard.
• Associate performance review completion rate, reflecting supervisory accountability across the managed team.

Understanding how these metrics connect to compensation ranges and advancement toward plant director tracks is covered in what career progression and salary benchmarks look like for this role.

• Base Salary Range: $85,000 to $115,000 annually, depending on site size and industry segment
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5 to 15 percent, tied to CI program outcomes
• Equity: Generally not offered; some larger manufacturers may offer profit-sharing
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by company
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus company-observed holidays
• Common Perks: Lean or Six Sigma certification sponsorship, relocation assistance, and tuition reimbursement

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations at any point in the hiring or employment process. All qualified candidates are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background check. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Match your ACE certification program oversight and kaizen event leadership to a resume that stands out among similar applicants.

The ACE Manager leads site-wide continuous improvement by driving ACE certification, delivering training, and advising managers at all levels to elevate process efficiency and quality. Working across departments and reporting to senior management, the role shapes a lasting CI culture that enables measurable gains in productivity and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive UTC ACE continuous improvement programs across the site.
• Develop and establish an ACE strategy, acting as an internal consultant to managers at all levels to increase efficiency and quality of internal and external processes.
• Develop and propagate a continuous improvement culture through encouraging ACE tools usage by employees in their daily work.
• Identify and suggest improvement opportunities to senior management.
• Participate in the ACE Council for cross-sharing and benchmarking of best practices.
• Monitor and audit the site's ACE program status.
• Lead ACE culture across the site and ensure achievement of ACE certification as set out by corporate and management.
• Ensure tracking and reporting of overall improvement goals and outcomes.
• Manage the site's training framework effectively with internal stakeholders to achieve maximum training effectiveness.
• Deliver training to strengthen the site's understanding of ACE and continuous improvement concepts.
• Work with HODs to identify potential problems through trend analysis and propose CI efforts to mitigate such risks.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business, preferably with a Lean Six Sigma qualification.
• Minimum 5 years of related functional experience with the ability to lead cross-functional groups.
• Proven ability in project management with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Initiative-driven with a demonstrated ethical decision-making and Quality First mindset.

Embedded within a lean manufacturing operation, the ACE Manager owns staffing, production planning, and daily shop floor execution to sustain quality, cost, and output objectives. Working closely with leads and associates, this role builds a high-performing team through mentorship, problem-solving events, and rigorous adherence to standardized work and 5S principles.

Core Functions

• Maintain staffing levels and ensure adequate backup for each position.
• Execute progression path training and certification processes consistently.
• Promote teamwork through all levels of associates.
• Participate in the selection and hiring process.
• Train and mentor leads and associates on problem-solving, and lead problem-solving events.
• Provide competency-based feedback to leads and associates.
• Establish and recommend updates to standard operating procedures.
• Ensure operating standards, including standardized work, operating rules, 5S, and visual management tools, are consistently executed.
• Ensure adequate production capacity levels for each line and assist with production planning.
• Identify problems through reporting or direct interaction on the shop floor, and determine the most appropriate solutions.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and loss prevention guidelines.
• Provide vision and guidance to the reconditioning team in meeting performance metrics and quality, production, and cost objectives.
• Participate in and lead continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of management experience in automotive or a lean manufacturing environment.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record of no more than two moving violations or DUIs in the last three years.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, including the Toyota Production System problem-solving model.
• Proven track record of leading and developing associates and obtaining project deliverables and company metrics.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment, sometimes under excessive weather conditions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong analysis and decision-making ability.
• Proficient in computer skills.

Reporting to site leadership, the ACE Manager leads and develops a team of 20 associates, overseeing performance management, compliance, and the delivery of goals aligned to network-wide objectives. Partnering with new managers and associates, this role builds future CS Team Manager talent and delivers the supervisory structure that enables consistent customer outcomes.

Primary Duties

• Lead and develop a team of 20 associates, with responsibility for overall performance management, coordination, and evaluation.
• Drive a continuous improvement culture through kaizen, identifying and eliminating barriers to accuracy, productivity, and quality.
• Develop and achieve performance goals and objectives in line with network-wide vision and goals.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities including interviewing, training, and motivating employees, planning and assigning work, reviewing employee performance, and resolving conflicts.
• Communicate policies to associates, follow up to ensure compliance and consistency, take corrective action as necessary, and document issues and actions taken.
• Mentor new managers, expedite their learning curve, and devise action plans to develop associates into future CS Team Managers.

Skills & Qualifications

• At least 1.5 years of overall experience and 3 years of supervisory exposure managing a team of 25-30 associates.
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and manage a group of people.
• Ability to support business needs, provide solutions to customer pain points, and handle complex scenarios.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, schedule work assignments, and make administrative and procedural decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to handle reporting and analysis, and complete difficult goals or assignments effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel.
• English required as a working language.

Sitting at the intersection of product management and mobile gaming, the ACE Manager delivers data-driven features by translating in-game player insights into prioritized requirements and prototypes. Operating across music content, user acquisition, and third-party development teams, this role shapes product releases that reach market quickly and perform against business impact goals.

Duties

• Collect and analyze in-game player data to consolidate game insights and translate them into product features.
• Translate product features into detailed requirements and prototypes, prioritizing based on business impact.
• Work closely with third-party development teams to deliver with quick time-to-market and optimal resources.
• Manage multiple products, ensuring deliverables are understood and releases are delivered on time.
• Collaborate with in-house teams across music content, user acquisition, and business development.
• Listen to music throughout the workday.

Requirements

• At least 2-3 years of experience as a product owner supporting one or more mobile game products.
• Proven experience in game design with a track record of managing successful gaming projects.
• Experience producing wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and user interaction diagrams.
• Practical experience with Agile principles, including Scrum or Kanban.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, leadership, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
• Ability to multitask, manage deadlines in a cross-functional team, and remain calm under high-pressure situations.
• Self-starter who is energetic, enthusiastic, confident, adaptable, and customer-oriented.