Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Description -- Continuous Improvement Manager

SUMMARY:

The Continuous Improvement Manager will primarily act as a change agent to collaborate, design, and implement the operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization to improve cost, capacity, efficiency, and working capital across the division. Additionally, the CI Manager will be responsible for developing capability and transferring knowledge at every level in the organization. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Continuous Improvement.

OBJECTIVES:

• Lead the development and implementation of continuous improvement strategies, methodologies, and best practices to drive operational excellence and efficiency throughout the manufacturing processes.
• Utilize lean principles and methodologies to identify and eliminate waste, streamline processes, and optimize production flows to enhance productivity and quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive a culture of continuous improvement and foster a mindset of operational excellence at all levels of the organization.
• Provide leadership and guidance to project teams, engineers, technicians, and stakeholders to ensure successful execution of improvement initiatives, including training and coaching on lean principles and methodologies.
• Analyze production processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop and implement solutions to drive cost reduction, improve lead times and enhance overall operational performance.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of continuous improvement initiatives and drive a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Lead and support the development of standardized work processes and procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency across manufacturing.
• Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute a roadmap for continuous improvement initiatives aligned with the company's strategic objectives.
• Generate and/or provide supporting data analysis to management for capital equipment justifications for manufacturing operations enhancements
• Act as a change agent; drive change and influence others with implied authority within the organization to make sustainable and measurable process improvements.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

• Plant Manager, Operations Leadership Team and Front-Line Staff
• Divisional Manufacturing Engineering Team Members
• Corporate Quality, Finance, Supply Chain, and Product Engineering, other internal and external materials support providers

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or equivalent background; Master's Degree preferred
• Minimum of seven years' experience in continuous improvement, lean, operational excellence, or manufacturing roles.
• Proven track record of leading and implementing lean transformation or Toyota Way methodologies within manufacturing
• Strong understanding of fabrication and assembly manufacturing preferred, value stream and A3 Thinking
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decision=making and process improvement.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate
• Strong technical, project management skills
• 50% plus travel involved