Corporate Continuous Improvement Manager

Position Overview:

This position partners with functional leaders to understand the current state and develop strategic plans to achieve a dramatically improved future state that aligns with Company goals and objectives. Establishes and executes a calendar of Kaizen events and projects that maximizes the leverage of CI resources. Leads, coaches and mentors Continuous Improvement Leaders and others in order to deliver measurable business process improvements. This is a highly visible position and requires a broad-based knowledge and understanding of all aspects of Knapheide businesses and the ability to effectively influence at all levels of the organization.

You must be able to facilitate and drive change in a fast paced and "ever changing" environment leveraging your strong influencing, collaborative and professional skills.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Executive team to lead the development and implementation of the Lean/Six Sigma strategy, actions, and cross-functional activities.
• Deploy CI training, tools, best practices and resources are available to employees at all levels and are being utilized appropriately and effectively.
• Coordinate efforts with functional leaders, supervisors, and hourly associates through scheduled improvement walks resulting in improvement opportunities within the plant and develop justifications to substantiate potential cost savings to the plant.
• Develop a CI strategy for the enterprise that encourages involvement from all levels.
• Facilitate and execute Kaizen events through all stages (charter identification/creation, pre-work, identification and completion, delivery of results during the Kaizen week, regular follow up and follow through on sustaining).
• Analyze organizational metrics and performs managerial reviews to evaluate results and recommend action plans to close gaps at an operational level.
• Build Organizational Capability by hiring and developing CI leaders, participates in annual development plans and provides input on organization capability/succession planning sessions.
• Train and mentor CI team in the principles, methods, and applications of the Lean process such that continuous improvement efforts are integrated into change management processes.
• Build a Continuous Improvement and Lean culture to drive change.

Position Requirements:

• Four-year technical degree or Master's degree
• Excellent communication, meeting and presentation skills.
• Ability to effectively drive change and influence others in the organization.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Lean Leader.
• Training or coaching experience of Lean principles.
• Excellent writing and administrative skills including basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Track record of driving continuous improvements through sustainable processes.
• Experience organizing and facilitating formal Kaizen Events.

Current Openings for Corporate Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs at Knapheide Manufacturing