Technical Services Manager

Yankton, SD

Hydro employees can enjoy several benefits including:

• Medical, Rx, Dental, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plans with Company Match/Contributions
• Education Assistance
• Bonus Plan Eligibility
• Parental Leave

Job Summary:

The Technical Services Manager is an experienced professional with a strong background in Lean manufacturing, preferably with expertise in the Toyota Production System (TPS) or Alcoa Business System (ABS). This role requires a keen ability to identify and eliminate process waste, as well as proficiency in coaching management and operators in Lean principles and culture. The ideal candidate is committed to driving continuous improvement and fostering a Lean mindset throughout the organization.

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management or equivalent.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience managing continuous improvement functions in
  heavy manufacturing industry.
• Fluent in English, bilingual preferred.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• A post-graduate degree in Engineering (MSE) or an MBA is preferred.
• Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with manufacturing production planning, quality management systems, and
  proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) is desired.
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) with the ability to collaborate
  effectively with employees at all levels, and a willingness to learn new processes while
  working independently.
• Possesses strong analytical, organizational, professional, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Travel: Some travel may be required in this function.
• Ability to work rotating shifts of varying lengths, depending on availability, and
• accommodate overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

• Implement and manage continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on reliability and EBS practices (5S, MDI, A3, VSM, CRI).
• Oversee the deployment of EBS systems at the plant in line with Hydro ENA and Hydro Extrusions standards.
• Utilize SPC to stabilize processes before making improvements.
• Collaborate with finance to justify ROI for EBS projects and ensure compliance with savings calculations.
• Lead a team to enhance machine performance and support predictive and preventive maintenance programs.
• Ensure accuracy and implementation of the CMMS.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment failures and manage downtime/repair communications.
• Approve requisition requests that fall within budgetary constraints.
• Lead continuous improvement and lean initiatives, focusing on waste reduction and process optimization.
• Deliver effective presentations and communicate project impacts, measuring results against KPIs.