Job Description

Description

Lean/Continuous Improvement Specialist will contribute to all aspects of establishing and sustaining a Lean production and management system. The main areas of responsibility for this position include the deployment of standardized Lean methodologies that fit the needs of the business, providing training in lean tools and techniques, implementing Lean, coaching and leading groups on various lean initiatives in pursuit of company objectives or specific priorities to impact designated key metrics for improvement. The Lean Specialist must be a strong collaborator, have good listening capabilities, and be recognized as a subject matter expert on fundamental lean tools and techniques, who can demonstrate their capabilities in a practical manner on the shop floor. Close partnering with the groups in the business that support manufacturing will be an essential part of this role, relationship building, and integrity are key aspects to sustaining the deployment of lean tools and principles. These groups include Operations, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Supply Chain.

Assignment of Functions or Duties:
• Leverage Improvement Kata and Coaching Kata and teach the fundamentals.
• Apply statistical and analytical methods to stabilize processes.
• Participate in and lead as directed Lean initiatives within the manufacturing plants, which will encompass the need to provide formal training, continuous mentoring and coaching of employees.
• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of an effective and sustainable Lean Manufacturing program as directed by the Production Manager, these programs can include:

• Waste reduction exercises in the plants.
• Improving inventory turns.
• Support on-time delivery to customers.
• Improve and sustain product availability.
• Improve manufacturing KPI’s.
• Reduce manufacturing lead times.
• Ensure no detrimental impact of quality through the application of Lean.
• Participate in step change projects (Kaizen) and rapid improvement teams (Kaikaku) across multiple manufacturing areas.
• Actively participate in sharing & promoting Best Practices across plants.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements of Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:
a. Required
• Bachelor’s degree in related field, Minimum 5 plus years’ experience implementing Lean Methodologies. Additional experience will be considered in lieu of Bachelor’s Degree.
• Strong practical knowledge & application of Lean manufacturing principles, tools and methods including Value Stream Mapping, Flow, A3 Thinking, Standard Work Element definition, 5S, TPM, 7 wastes, and Kaizen.
• Experience working with Toyota Production System / Lean Manufacturing
• Proven problem-solving capabilities
• Experience with Change Management principles
• Have a passion for deploying Lean principles with an ability to train and inspire others
• A hands-on, practical and pragmatic approach to getting tasks done
• Strong facilitating/presentation skills
• Collaboration, and Integrity
• Attention to detail, organizational and project management skills
• Can operate in a fast paced and challenging environment to time-bound deadlines

b. Preferred
• Six Sigma / Lean Six Sigma Black Belt strongly desirable