Productivity Engineer

The Productivity Engineer is responsible for identifying opportunities to maximize the utilization of assets for max ROI and capacity. This may include re‑purposing or multi‑purposing existing technologies to insource more of the supply chain (Buy‑to‑make), and working with operations and engineering to increase available operating hours.

Deliverables for this role will include financial results through effective execution, increased asset utilization, and continuous identification of future opportunities as a key source of projects to the overall Doors productivity project portfolio.

Reports to: Productivity Leader, Doors

Span of Control: Individual Contributor

Location: Resident office near Pittsburg, KS or Dickson, TN plant locations.

• Execute productivity initiatives to deliver long‑range strategic plan for Doors, working with internal and external resources.
• Facilitate cross‑functional team collaboration to deliver improved results.
• Challenge the status quo and be a change agent for the business.
• Build capability of our operations to meet customer needs and replicate equipment and process standards across the network.
• Work closely with operations, stable ops, and supply chain to identify opportunities and execute change effectively.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.

• Educate stakeholders on the business value of strategic projects to create buy‑in.
• Drives effective best practice sharing and teamwork effectiveness across the Doors facilities.
• Learn the door and door component manufacturing processes thoroughly, including externally supplied parts manufacturing (initially in wood but possibly expanding in the future).
• Ensure that standard operating procedures exist to meet both the short term and long‑term needs of the business.
• Assist in the implementation of TPM standards as applicable.
• Provide training to develop proficiency in key competencies.

• BS in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering or commensurate professional experience. MS or MBA a plus.
• 5+ years of experience and demonstrated improvement project execution, preferably in high‑volume manufacturing processes.
• 5+ years of experience working in Operations Management, OpEx, or Continuous Improvement, or similar field.
• Proven track record in enhancing efficiency and profitability in multi‑site manufacturing environment and identifying new opportunities to work more safely, efficiently, and with better quality.
• Clear view of the production process and how it integrates into the wider business strategy.
• Experience with one or more of the following:
  Furniture manufacturing, wood products manufacturing and/or woodworking processes, SMC/Fiberglass manufacturing, paper/pulp processing.
• Experience in discrete manufacturing processes, manual and automated assembly, finishing and packaging, etc.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma, TPS, Kaizen and/or other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Leads and influences through other leaders.
• Working knowledge of wood products manufacturing technology.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change in manufacturing environments.
• Customer‑centric approach is a must. Has an external understanding of the customer’s value chain as well as propensity to start with the value creation for the customer first in all problem solving or idea generation.
• Naturally connects and builds strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and influence.
• Change agent. Able to anticipate risks and propose tactical plans for mitigation.
• Ability to persevere in the face of challenges, and exhibit a steadfast resolve and relentless commitment to higher standards.
• Inspire trust and followership in others through compelling influence and driving results.
• Strong communication (written/verbal) skills to work with senior executives across the business and within various geographies, ability to communicate complex technical topics clearly across various audiences including customers.
• Plant Process, Cellular design, material and information flow.
• Customer Service and Product…