Continuous Improvement Specialist

The CI Specialist is responsible for driving continuous improvement for the sites they are assigned to. This includes teaching the CI tools, leading kaizens, tracking metrics, implementing/ensuring compliance to the daily management process and development/implementation of an annual kaizen journal.

Primary Responsibilities

Overall responsibility of the CI Implementation Specialist is to eliminate waste and teach others the tools to do so:

• Lead site level and support Continuous initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, throughput, and team development.
• Drive adoption of Lean tools and daily management systems across the plant.
• Plan and lead kaizen events to deliver measurable operational improvements.
• Build and maintain the sites' CI roadmap and kaizen plan.
• Partner with plant leadership to develop and track performance metrics.
• Coach supervisors and teams on problem-solving and Lean methods.
• Ensure consistent execution of daily management and visual management with a presence on the floor.
• Develop and maintain training plans to build Lean/CI capability at the site.
• Supporting Responsibilities
• Ensure plant mgrs., fabrication mgrs. and supervisors understand the direction of the CI process and the tools to accomplish.
• Assist plant leadership in the development of monthly countermeasures for any metrics that miss the targets using problem solving.
• Assess the effectiveness of improvement initiatives, making data-driven decisions to drive improved service levels and sustain long-term gains.
• Leadership and People Development:
  • Assist in the development and training of plant personnel as the subject matter expert on lean.
  • Assist in training operators via application of standardized work and process standards
• Drive a Positive and Engaging Culture:
  • Promote open communication, recognize achievements, and encourage innovation and teamwork.
  • Engage frontline employees in identifying and solving problems.
  • Partner with plant leadership to reinforce behaviors that promote and sustain positive change.
• Ensure all levels of the plant organization are proficient with all of the problem-solving tools.
• Monitor and maintain production and quality standards and monitor data regarding types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates of products ordered.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for Consideration:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field required.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent problem -solving certification preferred.
• 3-7 years as a continuous improvement leader within a manufacturing or industrial environment with measurable results.
• Hands-on lean tools expert. Has implemented, led and driven a continuous improvement culture changes within a plant environment.
• Understanding of ISO 9001:2015 Quality principles is preferred.
• Proficient knowledge and business use of Microsoft Office products: Outlook, Power Point, Word and Excel.
• Proficiency and experience with ERP systems. CAD Experience helpful.