Roles & Responsibilities: Leads the Continuous Improvement process (e.g. behaviors, attitude and culture), working with staff and operations to develop, implement and sustain a continuous improvement program based upon lean principles that support meeting plant goals and targets.
- Leads, identifies and defines scope of continuous improvement planning and activities.
- Identifies opportunities and works closely with technical resources to help drive efficiencies and best practices.
- Teaches and models root cause analysis and problem solving to prevent recurrence, standard work and follow-up.
- Develops lean change agents (Lean Coordinators) to foster continued growth.
- Plans for training/seminars to keep the team energized and focused; including budget planning for such activities.
- Works with the Lean Coordinator in charge of 5S to ensure the site is sustaining and improving the 5S program.
- Coaches, guides and/or leads cross-functional teams to achieve resolution of assigned projects.
- Leads focused efforts aimed at breakthrough and incremental improvements in process, department and/or line-specific opportunities that meet and exceed plant operational performance metrics.
- Monitors data and metrics to identify areas of waste and prioritize the development and implementation of solutions.
- Teaches and models tools and concepts of Lean Thinking and Six Sigma; facilitates Kaizen events
Skills and Experience: Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing/Continuous Improvement methodologies and ability to teach and model them.
- Demonstrates a passion for safety.
- Able to develop and maintain a respectful and safe work environment.
- Must have strong analytical and business judgment including demonstrated problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills.
- Ability to influence, mentor and coach to get results through others.
- Results driven; supports company growth strategies.
- Conveys a high level of optimism while setting aggressive targets and supporting the team in achieving those targets.
- Communicates a compelling vision and inspired sense of purpose.
- Talks about the possibilities and is optimistic.
- Solves highly complex problems and prioritizes actions in a timely manner.
- Probes all sources for answers and can quickly sense what will help resolve issues.
- Establishes clear directions, sets stretch objectives.
- Speaks candidly and provides constructive feedback in a professional manner.
- Organizes and manages projects; interacts, supports, facilitates and leads multi-functional work teams; leads teams to consensus; maintains strong negotiation skills.