What are the responsibilities and job description for the Value Stream Analyzer position at AKG North American Operations Inc?
Position Overview
At AKG the Value Stream Analyzer is a strategic operations role responsible for validating and optimizing production-related data within SAP. This role ensures the accuracy of cycle times, standard times, and cost allocations by conducting detailed bottom-up and top-down analyses. As the central data validator for costing models and cost center impacts, the position supports reliable decision-making across operations. The role directly supports the Vice President of Operations, collaborates with Manufacturing Engineering, and plays a critical role in the Continuous Improvement (CIP) process.
Essential Functions
- Validate and maintain accurate cycle and standard times in SAP for all manufacturing operations.
- Analyze cost center structures, labor routings, and BOM cost breakdowns to ensure transparency in cost data.
- Support and improve reliability of product and process costing models by identifying incorrect assumptions or outdated values.
- Liaise between Operations and Finance to align production realities with financial impact.
- Create, manage, and track KPIs related to value stream performance, cost variance, and process efficiency.
- Assist Manufacturing Engineering with time studies, bottleneck identification, and process flow improvements.
- Actively participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives and workshops.
- Generate periodic reports to highlight operational trends, deviations, and improvement opportunities.
- Maintain documentation on process standards and cost model revisions.
Secondary Functions
- Support internal and external audits with data validation, reporting, and documentation.
- Contribute financial impact analysis for process improvement or capital investment business cases.
- Benchmark internal operations against industry standards or best practices.
- Support cross-functional training efforts to enhance cost structure understanding organization-wide.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty with a high level of accuracy and reliability. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field.
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, operations, or production controlling.
- In-depth experience with SAP (or similar ERP systems), particularly in production routing, time standards, and cost tracking.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in data validation, cost modeling, and KPI development.
- Proven ability to collaborate across departments such as Finance, Engineering, and Production.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Proficiency in bottom-up and top-down cost analysis (labor, overhead, material allocations).
- Ability to map and analyze value streams and identify time/cost discrepancies.
- High proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and SAP reporting tools.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing process flows and standard cost structures.
- Effective communication skills to explain complex data to non-technical audiences.
- Self-motivated with strong problem-solving capabilities.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar CI methodologies is a plus.
Physical Demands
- Regular sitting, walking production lines, occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs).
- Occasional travel to company sites or vendors.
- Use of safety equipment such as steel toe shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection (provided).
Disclaimer
The above statements reflect the general responsibilities and duties of the position but do not represent an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may change or be assigned as needed.
Disclaimer
AKG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.