Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Purpose: Focus on plant continuous improvements supporting team members ideas by implementing and executing their ideas. Measure through KPIs performance and supporting yearly plan budget outlook. As part of the job scope to lead, promote and audit 4S SD yearly plan score targets.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promote Kaizen ideas on Safety, Quality, Operations, Materials, Maintenance and cross functional Teams.  
• Track Kaizen improvements implementations trough CCCs, PCC and Weekly Pulse reviews (Floor Management visual systems)
• Process improvements on takt time changes per customer demand 
• Design improvements in the new product implementation 
• Layout improvements on any changes or line rebalancing 
• Logistics improvements on any route changes or new supplier added to supply chain. 
• Promote 4S SD in all areas per plant layout Quality, Operations, Maintenance and cross functional areas including office.  
• Track 4S SD audit scores by building / area (floor Management visual system)
• Design improvements on new product implementation – Utilizing 4S SD principals   
• Layout improvements on any changes or line rebalancing - Utilizing 4S SD principals    
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Deal effectively with complex and sensitive issues.
• The ability to think in the abstract and see how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
• Effective observation skills and problem-solving ability.
• Communicate effectively, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Culture promoting and fostering skills

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 3 years of related experience.  

PREFERRED SKILLS  

• Three years of direct experience in production control, material planning, production scheduling, or any other related position
• Require proficiency with Microsoft Office computer applications including (Excel, Word and Access)
• Utilize databases or manage large data files
• Automotive supplier experience  
• AUTOCAD
• Familiarity with 4S SD activity
• Problem solving certification

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Manufacturing environment with a high noise level that may require hearing protection.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, talk; hear; or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Work involves daily exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, extreme temperatures, humidity, and/or noise
  • Work environment involves daily exposure to physical risks, such as working around mechanical and electrical hazards
  • Position requires the ability to stand; sit at a desk; walk around office and plant; utilizing fine dexterity; and reaching, kneeling, bending and twisting to inspect equipment. Also requires the ability to see; hear; and communicate by utilizing professional etiquette with all levels of Team Members, customer and with external vendors
  • Personal protective equipment, as defined by Forma