Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Lead

Who We Are:

The Duravent Group is a recognized global technology leader in the HVAC industry, first-to-market with innovations in venting systems. Founded in 1956, our $500 million company is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and has 15 locations across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Duravent leads with best-in-class design and manufacturing capabilities, world-class distribution networks, and customer-first service and support. We ensure quality and drive safety through scientifically proven materials and unequaled engineering.

Duravent acquired Grand Rapids-based Hart & Cooley in 2021. A leader in the HVAC industry since 1901, the Hart & Cooley acquisition brings a legacy of quality and service, robust manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a suite of trusted brands into the Duravent family. 

As a combined company, Duravent is uniquely positioned as the next generation leader in interior climate technology industry. Our team of passionate professionals needs you!  Come join us and help us build for the future!

This Role:

Our team is currently seeking a people and process-oriented Manufacturing Continuous Improvement (CI) Lead for our Turners Falls, MA manufacturing facility.   This would be an in-person, full-time, day shift  role reporting to our Plant Manager.  (Note: we are willing to help with relocation assistance for the right person/candidate)

What You Will Do:

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Lead contributes to the success of the organization by driving productivity and quality at their designated production site by implementing and ensuring the ongoing effectiveness of continuous improvement (CI) efforts at that site.

How You Will Do It:

• Assess the current state of plant operations and processes, identify gaps between current operations and established best practices using gap analysis methodologies
• In partnership with plant leadership, develop a future state vision.  Develop and execute a CI roadmap to bridge current and future state using appropriate metrics and KPIs
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement (encourage consideration of root causes over quick fixes, etc.).  Lead lean improvement orientation for teammates and ensure that lean responsibilities are both defined and understand by individuals at site.
• Act as project manager for multiple simultaneous CI projects.  Map out workflows, assist process owners with barriers to success, own project goals related to timelines and savings, establish metrics to monitor financial savings in relation to established goals/targets, and report to leadership on progress.  When appropriate, ensure projects are compliant with applicable regulations (such as TS and ISO)
• Ensure appropriate safety and ergonomic processes/methods are being utilized at site.
• Develop and maintain annual value stream mapping efforts, CI plans and calendars.
• In partnership with plant leadership, balance resources between internal plant efficiency and external customer-focused effectiveness projects
• Other duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For:

Candidates who:

• Hold current and valid U.S. work authorization without requiring future sponsorship (required)
• Previous work experience in a manufacturing facility (required)
• Can effectively communicate in English (required) and Spanish (preferred)
• Previous experience in facilitating projects and teams using Six Sigma or other structured project management methodology (required), Lean Six Sigma certified (strongly preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in related field (preferred)
• Previous experience with statistical software (preferred)
• Has successfully completed DOE/design of experiments work (preferred)
• Can stand or walk 90% of the day, can consistently reach, bend and move inside the facility to move product (up to 50lb lift)

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation (estimated for this role $85,000-120,000 annually)
• Benefits effective day 1
• 401(k) with match 
• Thirteen Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Personal Time Off
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance (variable per state)
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Plan

EEOC Statement:

Duravent is an equal opportunity employer committed to making employment decisions solely on valid job requirements.  We provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, genetic information, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability or veteran status.