Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs

OVERVIEW:

This position has responsibility for advancing the overall lean maturity of the Grand Rapids, MN facility through creating, implementing, and sustaining overall continuous improvement and manufacturing programs. Owner of lean systems such as visual workplace, lean daily management, CI project hopper, and total preventative maintenance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science Degree required.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required. Black Belt preferred.
• Prior experience in continuous improvement initiatives preferred.
• 5-7 years previous supervisory experience in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment. Preference for experience in areas such as fabrication, welding, and/or mechanical assembly.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In coordination with Maintenance, and Production to create and manage the TPM program.
• Creates a visual workplace leveraging progressive 5S and visual controls. Manages plant wide KPIs, integrating data in decision making and prioritization of projects.
• May be required to support the operation outside of assigned shift hours or on weekends as needed.
• Maintains CI project hopper and champions Kaizen opportunities for step change improvements to safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Under the guidance from the Director of Operators, directs the lean six sigma program by chartering new continuous improvement projects.
• Manages Operations Metrics / SQDCI Program
• Develops and maintains a lean steering committee to ensure direction and program.
• Reviews process value stream mapping and recommends staffing levels, materials, machines, methods, and performance metrics (measurements) to ensure an effective operation.
• Drives cultural transformation through engagement in continuous improvement initiatives, accountability through standard work, and creating an environment of equipment / process ownership.
• Works with Operations to build training content and organize training sessions as needed.
• Ensures all quality and safety practices are followed at all times.
• Manages cost savings programs, meetings and action lists.
• Manages all related technical systems, technologies, machines, and equipment as required.
• Responsible for promoting a safety culture and awareness within their area.
• Lead Management Gembas as required
• Implements lean daily management to ensure visual controls, formal problem solving, and leader standard work are utilized to quickly identify, fix to root cause, and sustain solutions to problems.
• Supports and adheres to all plant safety policies and procedures at all times.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills – ability to build positive relationships at all levels of the organization and clearly and concisely communicate in multiple media – verbal, written, etc.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office Suite).
• Excellent organizational/time management skills.
• Strong knowledge of production operation, including equipment, materials, workflow, etc.
• Strong leadership abilities and skills as a team builder, coach and mentor.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments in a fast-paced work environment, calm under pressure and flexibility to direct work force and adapt to changing schedules as appropriate.

Knowledge of Total Quality Systems, (ISO-9000), OPEX