Continuous Improvement Specialist

The CI Implementation 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 funnel.

Primary Responsibilities

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

• Gain an understanding and awareness of ISCOs products and processes to internalize organizational strategies and subsequently execute a "lead from the front" management approach to achieve high employee engagement.
• Develop and maintain a site kaizen funnel
• Collaborate with the plant manager to develop the site's metrics bowler and ensure the bowler is up to date.
• Organize kaizens to teach specific tools and a, train the trainer process, to maximize proliferation of the tools throughout the site.
• Organize and lead kaizen wrap-up meetings with the ELT, Plant Managers and other CI Implementation Specialist across the company to cross pollenate the learnings you achieved.
• Maintain a CI tools training matrix for the site to ensure all employees are improving their skills.
• Champion the daily management process and drive adherence to the process.
• Validate data collection at the hour-by-hour boards with the supervisors and fabrication managers to ensure the proper classification of downtime is captured.

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.
• Maintain KPIs to assess the effectiveness of improvement initiatives, making data-driven decisions to drive improved service levels and sustain long-term gains.
• Leadership and People Development:
  
  
  
  • Develop and mentor plant personnel, identifying and nurturing future leaders within the organization.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews, set clear goals, and create development plans for team members.
  • Facilitate, mediate, document and coach direct reports in all regards to disciplinary and performance improving opportunities.
  
  
  
  
• Drive a Positive and Engaging Culture:
  
  
  
  • Implement strategies to improve employee morale, prevent turnover, and enhance overall job satisfaction.
  • Promote open communication, recognize achievements, and encourage innovation and teamwork.
  • Advocate and ensure active interaction and employee engagement by maintaining adequate staffing levels, providing appropriate training, involving staff in decision making and problem resolution, and providing regular performance feedback and coaching.
  
  
  
  
• Champion a safety-first culture. Collaborate with the Safety Team to oversee and monitor Safety programs and initiatives to ensure employee and company compliance with applicable laws and standards.
  
  
  
  • Professional and open communication.
  • Implementing and sustaining Safe working methods.
  • Leading safety training and holding employees accountable to safe work practices learned.
  
  
  
  
• 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 administrative activities associated with the effective management of operations, including the collection and review of operational data to make optimum business decisions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for Consideration:

• Bachelor's degree in business, management, engineering or closely related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.
• 3-7 years' as a continuous improvement leader with proven result.
• 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.