Continuous Improvement Supervisor

Position Summary

The Supervisor of Continuous Improvement will be responsible for promoting the use of lean tools across the brand to drive continuous improvements throughout the organization. This role will work with plant transformation teams to support continuous improvement initiatives, train employees on lean principles, and help to identify efficiencies. This position will lead and coach 1-3 local CI Technicians.

• Assist in the deployment of lean tools (VSM, Standard Work, TPM, OEE, SMED 5S, SMED, etc.), that will drive the continuous improvement culture across the organization
• Assist in planning courses for all levels in the organization. Create a positive learning environment that considers students’ expectations and abilities, seeks to clarify key concepts, checks for understanding, and accepts and acts upon feedback provided
• Lead continuous product / process improvement activities resulting in reduced COPQ, DPU (Defects Per Unit), and / or cycle times, and increased productivity and sigma values
• Coach all associates on lean culture, in lean thinking, lean principles, and lean tools. Directly lead and supervise 1-3 CI Technicians who will work to gather data, provide shop-floor training to the workforce, and implement CI initiatives
• Assist classes related to job instruction, standardized work, JIT, 5S, Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc., to improve process capabilities, eliminate defects and increase production efficiency
• Evaluate opportunities for automated equipment throughout the manufacturing processes
• Utilize A3 thinking to drive problems to root cause and to implement solutions for structural improvement

• Bachelors’ degree and/or 4+ years of experience in continuous improvement required
• Lean manufacturing experience required
• Experience in delivering technical training required
• Supervisor/leadership experience preferred

• None

• Skilled in Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of database software, order processing systems, and manufacturing software
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals. Ability to respond to complaints. Ability to effectively present information to top management. Ability to write, speak, and comprehend English
• Ability to compute engineering level math, ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw an interpret graphs
• Ability to solve practical and complex problems

• Minimal travel required

• Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
• Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures
• Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue; conserves organizational resources
• Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics
• Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments
• Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness
• Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to other views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed
• Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification;…