Plant Continuous Improvement Manager

This position is on-site in Lytton, Iowa
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The CI Manager will optimize operational efficiency by analyzing processes, eliminating waste, and implementing Lean methodologies. They will lead cross-functional teams, facilitate Kaizen events, provide Lean training, and identify key metrics to drive cost reductions and sustainable improvements at our Lytton, Iowa facility.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Operations, or related field and experience.

Experience

• 5 years’ proven experience in manufacturing or operations with a focus on continuous improvement and Lean principles.
• 5 years' related experience to CI and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of Lean processes and methodologies within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Value Stream Mapping, Facilitating Kaizen events and knowledge of lean tools and process such as:
  Continuous flow, set up reduction, pull systems, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) and 5S practices.

• Heavily involved with projects, processes and performance reports, data, and analysis.
• Works in partnership with local plant leadership and plant improvement teams, to identify and implement Lean principles to improve Quality, Cost, Safety, Delivery, and Morale.
• Organizes and leads CI meetings with plant team and peers.
• Review/ measure progress on improvement at scheduled monthly review meetings.
• Lead facilitator of plant improvement teams.
• Identify inefficiencies, analyze workflows, and implement improvements to boost productivity.
• Lead Lean, Kaizen, 5 S and Six Sigma projects to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Collect and interpret performance data to identify opportunities, track metrics, and report on project status.
• Mentor and provide training on CI techniques, new procedures, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Partners with departments to align improvement initiatives with company and plant goals.
• Conduct activities to reduce cost and improve operational efficiencies.
• Increase product quality and reliability by utilizing plant cadence and CI principles.
• Drive culture changes toward proactive problem solving by utilizing Lean activities.
• Provide education and mentoring on Lean processes and principles.
• Ensure Open communication throughout the plant by keeping management updated on Project status and ensuring coordination of Lean activities.
• Manage the development and maintenance of methods and systems for measuring to ensure that project goals, objectives and metrics are being met and maintained.
• Create metrics, goals, and objectives to drive accountability throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Lead the implementation of Lean programs from inception to completion.
• Manage the planning, facilitation and completion of Lean projects to support cost reduction objectives.
• Evaluate the performance or ability of employees to understand and apply lean principles.
• Monitor activity level of CI teams and inform management of additional support needed to achieve desired results.
• Model operational excellence and visibly demonstrate leadership/change management behaviors.
• Utilize visual management tools to drive employee empowerment and engagement.

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information;
  Collects and researches data;
  Uses intuition and experience to complement data;
  Designs workflows and procedures.
• Design - Generates creative solutions;
  Translates concepts and information into images;
  Uses feedback to modify designs;
  Applies design principles;
  Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Problem Solving - 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.
• Project Management - Develops project plans;
  Coordinates projects;
  Communicates changes and progress;
  Completes projects on time and budget;
  Manages project team activities.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses;
  Pursues training and development opportunities;
  Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills;
  Shares expertise with…