Continuous Improvement Specialist

The Continuous Improvement Specialist will support strategic initiatives by applying continuous improvement principles and tools to improve products, quality, operational efficiency, throughput, financial performance, and related areas.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Utilize Lean knowledge and tools to drive and support process improvement initiatives.
• Plan, do, check, and adjust processes, execution of projects and improvement events.
• Work with project teams to define project scope, goals, risks, and deliverables.
• Define roles, required tasks, and resources, and work with leaders to allocate resources.
• Formally and informally coach and mentor all levels of the organization in Lean principles.
• Coordinate recognition award programs and related training.
• Facilitate/lead all types of Kaizen events such as 7S, TPM, set-up reduction, value stream/process mapping, and poka-yoke.
• Facilitate assigned team improvement projects or organizational initiatives.
• Track and ensure completion of deliverables and update performance metrics.
• Regularly communicate progress, problems, and viable solutions to teams and stakeholders.
• Mentor and advise leaders on level-loading and resource deployment for improvement events and step change initiatives.
• Identify and collect critical data to assist with all events.
• Practice and advocate process ownership, standard work processes and implementation of Lean tools.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in Lean process improvement; project management experience is helpful.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated presentation and facilitation skills.
• Skilled in Value Stream/Process Mapping, Setup Reduction(SMED) and other Lean principles as well as root cause analysis.
• Understands financial statements and how process improvement impacts financial performance.
• Proficient in project management software tools such as MS Project and SmartSheet.
• Proficient in Microsoft software including Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, SharePoint, and Teams.

COMPETENCES

• Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.

• Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Optimizes Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ensures Accountability - Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Collaborates – Building partnerships and collaborating with others to meet shared objectives.
• Decision Quality – Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Balances Stakeholders - Anticipating and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Plans and aligns - Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not directly supervise other associates.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Typically sits, grasps items and performs keyboarding for frequent operation of a computer

• Stand, walk, bend,  reach or otherwise move about occasionally
• Lift, move or otherwise transfer items up to 30 lbs. occasionally
• Occasional exposure to typical machine shop physical hazards
• Travel by air or car occasionally