SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES :

The Continuous Improvement Manager (CI Manager) role is a key position for driving continuous improvements across Operations and other functions, in partnership with management and other internal stakeholders. The CI Manager will lead and execute continuous improvement projects following “lean” principles to:

• Improve quality and cycle time

• Reduce costs and minimize wastes

• Foster lean mindset

This position manages the development, refinement and implementation of strategic CI programs (e.g., Kaizen, etc.) in meeting our client's operational excellence expectations and delivering local business optimization.

REPORTING TO: Director of Operations

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and implements a strategic roadmap of CI programs (e.g., Kaizen) cross-functionally. Meets increasing targeted CI projects completion numbers year over year.

• Manages the project prioritization, change management and risk mitigation as appropriate.

• Identifies project issues and barriers and suggests appropriate courses of action.

• Provides management with project schedules and status updates monthly e.g., Maintaining a record of plant internal KPIs and leverage to generate ideas for Kaizen funnel based on trends.

• Facilitates the development, refinement and implementation of Standard Work in partnership with respective process owners and stakeholders. Facilitates cross-functional collaboration to understand business requirements and integrate them into process improvements and initiatives.

• Conducts time studies and other analysis to identify inefficiencies and recommend process enhancements.

• Applies Lean Principles of waste reduction to projects and ensure tools/processes are in place to ensure gains are sustained. Leads the design and implementation of process improvement strategies with measurable ROI.

• Helps drive repeated use of Lean Principles for continuous improvement internally as well as externally with customers and suppliers.

• Oversees the design and delivering of CI training programs to ensure team CI competence development e.g., training team members in the application of appropriate Lean Principles, equipping team members and process owners with CI tools in order to ensure project controls are sustainable, conducting training for employees on Lean Principles and Kaizen events.

• Interfaces, as necessary, with entire business chain to educate and integrate Lean principles.

• Shares Lean project improvement results with other business units.

• May participate in Business Planning sessions.

• Actively model client's values: Team, Trust, and Excellence.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The success of this position has the following impact:

• Sustainable performance improvements in site productivity

• Timely and successful completion of Lean projects in support of AOP targets.

• Implementation and execution of an effective and sustainable kaizen cycle

• Improvement in operational and financial metrics (OTD, GM, 5S, uptime, etc.)

• Increase the lean culture within the organization as measured by submission and execution rate of associate-generated kaizen ideas.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Knowledge of lean methodology, tools, and techniques with track record of implementing various lean concepts including core concepts of VS Mapping, One Piece Flow, Kanban, 5S, Standardized Work, Visual Management, SMED, and TPM.

• Basic statistical skills and problem-solving aptitude required.

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in written formats.

• Strong computer skills required, including MS365, and ERP system utilization.

• Strong project management skills required.

• Ability to maintain record of KPI trends and discern opportunities for improvement.

• Strong interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills required, including ability to influence without direct authority.

• Proficient with applied mathematical statistics, process design, manufacturing technology, and business systems.

• Familiarity with ISO, IATF, and or other Quality Management System is a plus.

• Must be a self-starter with a desire to drive change throughout the business.

• Must be a customer advocate.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Four-year degree required in business, teaching, engineering, or technical discipline.

• Minimum of 3-5 years manufacturing / technical business experience.

• Minimum of 5 years continuous improvement experience required.

• Education/training in Lean Principles and Kaizen event leadership.

• Lean/6σ certification is a plus.