What are the responsibilities and job description for the Continuous Improvement Leader - Metro Detroit Area position at Dakkota Integrated Systems?
Key Responsibilities:
- Kaizen Leadership & Development:
- Lead impactful Kaizen events, ensuring measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and cost.
- Develop and mentor employees in CI methodologies to create a sustainable culture of problem-solving and continuous learning.
- Sustainment & Follow-Through:
- Establish sustainment plans for 30, 60, and 90 days post-Kaizen to ensure lasting process improvements.
- Track and audit progress, reinforcing adherence to new processes and best practices.
- Coaching & Training:
- Teach and coach employees at all levels on Lean principles, problem-solving techniques, and strategic decision-making.
- Conduct hands-on training workshops to strengthen CI capabilities within the organization.
- Strategic Prioritization & Guidance:
- Work with plant leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement initiatives that align with business goals.
- Guide teams in leveraging data-driven decision-making to maximize operational efficiency.
- Lean & Problem-Solving Expertise:
- Act as a subject matter expert with proven experience in the following Lean tools:
- Daily Management – Implementing structured daily accountability processes to drive performance.
- 6S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, Safety) – Driving workplace organization and safety improvements.
- Value Stream Mapping (VSM) – Identifying and eliminating waste through end-to-end process mapping.
- TPI (Total Process Improvement) – Enhancing process flow and efficiency through structured methodologies.
- Problem Solving – Leading A3, 8D, and DMAIC methodologies to address root causes.
- Gemba Walks – Engaging directly with teams at the point of work to identify opportunities and drive improvement.
- Flow/Kanban – Optimizing production and information flow for operational efficiency.
- Kanban – Implementing visual management techniques to improve workflow, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance Just-In-Time processes.
- Cultural Transformation & Audits:
- Systemically promotes a CI culture through objective audits, process reviews, and engagement at all levels.
- Foster a mindset that integrates continuous improvement into daily operations, driving business results through enhanced processes and people development.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Proven experience leading Kaizen events and CI initiatives with measurable impact.
- Strong ability to develop and mentor leaders & employees in continuous improvement methodologies.
- Expertise in Lean tools, problem-solving methodologies, and strategic prioritization.
- Ability to ensure sustainability through structured follow-ups (30, 60, 90-day checkpoints).
- Excellent communication and coaching skills, with the ability to engage at all levels of the organization.
- Experience in manufacturing, operations, or a similar process-driven environment preferred.
- Ability to travel 25-30% to plant locations to support CI initiatives.
This role is ideal for a hands-on leader passionate about driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are committed to developing others while achieving business results, we encourage you to apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
