Continuous Improvement Leader

Summary

The Continuous Improvement Leader owns the deployment of the Production Units’ Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence strategy, delivering measurable results through the CIS program, Lean projects, and Kaizen events. This role supervises the local CI teams, drives hands-on improvement at the shop floor, and ensures strategic alignment through Hoshin Kanri, KPIs, and Daily Management. In addition, the Continuous Improvement Leader develops internal Lean capabilities and acts as a change agent aligned with global best practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises the local Continuous Improvement teams
• Responsible of the Continuous Improvement Savings (CIS) programs for the Production Units.
• Lead Lean Projects such as Value Stream Map Projects and executes Lean Roadmap (Action Plan).
• Responsible for implementing the PU Continuous Improvement Strategies.
• Responsible for the Kaizen Process and Kaizen Funnel of the Production Units.
• To facilitate Kaizen Events using different Lean Tools such as Standard Work, SMED or 6S.
• To train and develop people on facilitating Kaizen Events.
• Responsible of the Daily Management Process as a Continuous Improvement Process.
• To lead Problem Solving activities using different tools like A3, 5Whys, Ishikawa Diagram or Noise to Constant.
• To support the Site Managers in developing the PU strategy.
• To support the Site Managers and Operations teams on defining the production unit TTI’s and KPI’s.
• Generate and understand data which supports and enhances Operational KPI’s.
• Develop educational material and provide training as needed on Lean and continuous improvement.
• Lead and supervise process improvement activities on the manufacturing floor (Go to Gemba!).
• Understand and use Lean concepts and process tools in work functions.
• Link with the Global Operational Excellence team to deploy global initiatives and share best practices.
• Acts as a Change Agent! Identifies potential Lean Leaders in the PU.

Qualifications

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operational Management, or related field.
• A master’s degree in Lean Manufacturing or Management Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Ideal candidate has a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
• More than 5 years of experience in Continuous Improvement or Lean roles.
• Experience running a Kaizen funnel and/or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience leading Value Stream Map projects.
• Knowledge in Daily Management process.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen Event and other workshops.
• Strong Continuous improvement culture and Lean Methods (5S, SMED, TPM, 3P, Kanban or standard work).
• Experience in the Hoshin Kanri X-Matrix policy deployment process.

Technical Skills/Physical Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a cross functional team environment.
• Good oral and written communication skills with solid documentation skills.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects keeping accurate documentation and records.
• Strong problem-Solving Skills (5Whys, Ishikawa diagram, Noise to Constant…).

• Clear thinking and solid prioritization skills.
• Solid team building and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in PC skills; Power Bi, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel etc.), Minitab…
• Self-starter, highly motivated, work with urgency.
• High technical competency.
• Strong Project Management skills.
• Demonstrated skills in communication.
• Not afraid to get their hands dirty - “hands on”.
• Confident in their abilities – must make quick, accurate decisions.
• Strong leadership skills and team orientation; ability to lead change.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and technical problem-solving skills.
• Experience in a high mix, low volume manufacturing environment preferred
• Working knowledge of GD&T standards and experience in a finished component manufacturing environment preferred
• Travel - 10% of the time