Director Of Continuous Improvement

Director, Continuous Improvement

Job Summary:

The Director, Continuous Improvement is responsible for leading transformational projects across the manufacturing locations to yield operational improvements in cost, efficiency (OEE), quality, etc., and to meet or exceed established targets for cost reduction/avoidance. The candidate will also act as the CI subject matter expert (SME) and teach and coach CI methodologies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to -

• Work closely with CI teams across the business unit to embed standardized approaches and raise creativity and innovation for CI activity.
• Conceive, lead, coach, and manage Continuous Improvement projects to meet established targets for cost reductions or efficiency improvements.
• Analyze work force utilization, facility layout, and operational data such as production costs, process flow, and production schedules, to determine efficient utilization of workers and equipment.
• Ensure practices reflect the most progressive and innovative practices utilized in the automotive marketplace.
• Evaluate project results to verify actual savings/avoidance.
• Initiate and champion change to develop an organizational mindset that drives process improvement, ownership and accountability.
• Act as coach and teacher for Continuous Improvement concepts and champion of process methodology to maximize project throughput and productivity.
• Set cost savings/avoidance targets for CI teams on annual basis.
• Assess project proposals from CI teams and ensure the scope and deliverables align with the organization's vision for CI.
• Analyze value stream flow and determine optimal material flow based upon lean manufacturing techniques.
• Provide regular reports of projects along with relevant metrics demonstrating financial and operational impact.
• Participate in plant audits to confirm implementation and effectiveness of CI practices.
• Build and manage processes to identify, track and share best practices and lessons learned.
• Maintain a list of current projects and potential projects in the pipeline (a.k.a. Productivity Pipeline).
• Bring insights to senior leadership about areas of operations that may benefit from process improvement.
• Consult with plant manager/mgmt. team to recommend methods for improving worker efficiency and reducing waste of materials and utilities such as restructuring job duties, reorganizing workflow, relocating workstations and equipment, and purchase of equipment.
• Facilitate CI events, such as Kaizen, 8D, process mapping, etc., as part of established CI action plans and/or at request of internal customers.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have direct reports, but the incumbent is required to demonstrate influential leadership to partner with teams across the organization to accomplish results.

Education and/or Experience:

• Prior relevant work experience in manufacturing, preferably in front-line operations management role and in both union and non-union work environments.
• Bachelor's degree with course of study in Engineering or related manufacturing area such as Quality, Supply Chain, etc.
• Prior experience leading CI projects with demonstrated and validated results and improvement.
• Experience with Toyota Production System (TPS) highly desired.
• At least five (5) years relevant work experience and/or training with Lean or continuous improvement practices, including leading/facilitating continuous improvements events such as 5S, Lean, process mapping, etc.

Skills for Success in the Director, Continuous Improvement role

• Strong understanding of Lean concepts and process improvement methodologies.
• Experience with planning and executing change
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with PC proficiency and advanced skills with Excel or analysis tools, such as Mini-Tab, PowerBI, etc.
• Influence skills to gain commitment at all organizational levels
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and coaching skills
• Self-directed and able to work well under pressure in a dynamic environment
• Change agent, driving culture change in a way that engages all employees positively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills
• Demonstrated high performance history; proven ability to execute and get results

Certifications & Trainings:

Lean training and practices required.

Six Sigma Blackbelt, preferred.

Project Management designation, preferred.

Reasonable accommodations made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the

essential functions of this position.

This employer does not offer sponsorship, now or in the future.

EEO Employer