General Summary:

This position works closely with every aspect of the business to identify and drive process improvement opportunities (remove waste, enhance agility, reduce costs) and help create a sustainable competitive advantage through the use of Continuous Improvement / Lean principles and methods. Also, develops, implements and sustains a Quality Management System to ensure customer focused market success through process performance and reliability throughout the company.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned, as requested or required.

• Implement Continuous Improvement System via Lean and Quality to support the development and deployment of the future state design and sustainable enterprise-wide improvement processes.
• Develop and deploy an effective measurement and reporting system for strategic alignment and focus.
• Interact and communicate with all managers, associates, suppliers and customers to help establish Lean values and a Complete Quality culture and assure the needed resources and commitment to drive improvements.
• Enhance and support the Sales & Operations Planning process by ensuring Value Stream clarity, effective VS metrics and defined demand takt times.
• Reduce Value Stream cycle times to continually enhance agility through waste elimination & process flow improvements throughout the organization.
• Lead the transition to a Lean-based pull manufacturing methodology with visual controls.
• Establish and maintain companywide process documentation system to promote standard work and process integrity.
• Ensure end-to-end application of Lean and Quality principles and practices; from New Product Development to Service and Support.
• Lead Kaizen Events, 5S, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, Theory of Constraints Projects, TPM, Set-Up Reduction, Defect Prevention, Leadership Development and other CI efforts.
• Coordinate Lean training and development activities of all associates and grow Lean Champions and Kaizen Leaders.
• Coordinate Lean monthly management review meeting and participate in monthly/quarterly/annual corporate led Lean meetings.
• Develop, maintain and further refine a Quality Management System that is focused on prevention and efficiency in all functions of the Company.
• Implement ‘built-in quality’ or ‘quality at the source’ – meet with suppliers, customers, quality representatives, and Company personnel to discuss and resolve issues as required.
• Manage/supervise Quality function employees and provide guidance for their activities.
• Prepare for and represent the Company during any quality audits.
• Prepare all necessary reports as required by any agencies, customers and staff personnel.
• Evaluates production processes through time studies, process mapping, value-stream mapping, and workload balancing.
• Define and maintain rigorous process standards regarding all points of manufacturing, from fabrication to assembly to shipping.
• Facilitate with layout redesign, work cell improvements, and other capacity-increasing initiatives.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or closely related degree.
• 5+ years experience in a Continuous Improvement role within a manufacturing environment.
• Experienced in leading a Lean transformation in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations.
• Demonstrated problem solving and project management skills.
• Conceptual Thinking – ability to think in terms of abstract ideas
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, ERP and other applicable programs.
• Must have a win-win mentality & the ability to overcome obstacles, both technical & non-technical.
• Requires steady energy and focused planning and organizing skills.
• Strong facilitation & training skills needed to deliver Quality and Lean Manufacturing concepts, principles & practices.
• Ability to work well with others. Must have strong team-building skills and be successful in facilitating team-based initiatives.
• Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, business process improvement knowledge, and ability to train others with diverse backgrounds and education levels.
• Ability to perform work in a heavy industrial setting, with exposure to fumes/smoke.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.