Continuous Improvement Leader Profile / Job Description

Job Overview

The Continuous Improvement Leader is responsible to lead and influence the development and implementation of consistent Lean business practices across the site to drive increased growth, operational excellence and empowered employees. This position reports to the Operations Leader and partners with the site leadership team to lead the implementation of the company’s  Lean Enterprise system and helps ensure the site implements the best known processes and systems to remain competitive in quality, productivity, customer service and employee/customer relations. Additional responsibilities include leading and/or participating in the development, execution, and maintenance of the transformation plans, delivering coaching and training on Lean principles, concepts and tools, leading kaizen events, knowledge sharing, and mentoring future Lean practitioners.

Responsibilities 

• Promote and guide transformation teams in the implementation of the Lean Enterprise system, which includes Strategy Deployment and the use of various process improvement tools including, but not limited to: Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Cell Design, Continuous Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, Change over, TPM, Root Cause Analysis
• Partner with Operations Leader to develop transformation strategies and coordinate annual transformation plans
• Collaborate with site leadership team to develop long range strategic plans and annual plans in support of continuous improvement to drive improvements in key metrics such as safety, quality, delivery, cost, cash, employee engagement, and growth, identifying indicators for future improvement opportunities
• Establish operating principles, communication, knowledge sharing and reporting strategies to provide visibility into continuous improvement efforts
• Lead Lean Enterprise system maturity self-assessment process and coordinate gap closure planning and collaborate with Corporate and external Lean practitioners to achieve planned Lean Enterprise maturity levels
• Provide training, coaching and mentoring of Lean principles, concepts, behaviors and tools which enhance the existing culture to one of continuous improvement at all levels of the organization
• Facilitate kaizen teams/events, track progress, and follow up to ensure gains are sustained and coach others within the site to become lean practitioners and team facilitators
• Communicate to site leadership team on overall Lean Enterprise initiatives, continuous improvement projects, kaizen status and assessment of customer needs on a regular basis
• Actively participate as a member of the Corporate Lean Enterprise Team to evolve the Lean Enterprise system, share best practices, report progress and provide support to other Managers as necessary
• Stay current with technologies and Lean concepts through continuing education and benchmarking

Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business or similar field
• Master’s degree preferred
• A minimum of 7+ years of experience in Lean Manufacturing and Project Management in operations
• Proven history of experience grounded in Lean principles, tools, and systems such as Value Stream Mapping, Cell Design, Material Flow, Visual Management, Standard Work, 5S, TPM, Change Over, Mistake Proofing, Root Cause Analysis
• Demonstrated multiple experiences with transforming business processes, with the ability to promote and sustain continuous improvement efforts/projects and culture through engaging, influencing, inspiring, and motivating others
• Practical experience in project/ program management and lean implementation. Strong management, communication, and leadership skills. Should be motivated with a positive attitude, with ability to work in a group/team setting
• Progressive work history in manufacturing environment demonstrating growth in position and/or responsibility
• Strong analytical skills with the demonstrated ability to analyze multifaceted, complex situations, problems, and concepts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively interact with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds
• Highly self-motivated and directed, able to work well under pressure, manage and prioritize multiple initiatives concurrently, attend to details, and meet deadlines
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to be flexible, adaptable, and change priorities and direction as needed, allowing for optimum effectiveness
• Aptitude and desire to gain understanding of situations, processes, and procedures in an effort to improve them
• Lean practitioner and/or Six Sigma certification required
• A minimum of 5 years experience managing salaried personnel required
• A minimum of 3 years experience working in a Lean system required
• Supply Chain and/or Engineering experience preferred
• Ability to travel up to 25%