Director of Continuous Improvement

The position has regional responsibility for coordinating continuous improvement activities throughout North America, supporting Lincolnton and Mukwonago Closures NA.  This work includes:

 

• Establishment of NA continuous improvement goals and measurement methodology.
• Working with the site Directors to establish site goals for each calendar year.
• Developing and delivering required training on current and new continuous improvement methodologies as needed.
• Assessing the effectiveness of the overall system through established KPIs and periodic site visits in North America
• Represent North America on the Global Manufacturing Excellence team.
• Development of new ideas/ projects on-site
• Manage the planning, facilitation, and completion of Lean projects to support cost-reduction objectives.
• Provides input and feedback to key leadership positions about process improvement opportunities.
• Identify areas with other functional leaders, employees, and customers to develop significant continuous improvement ideas or projects throughout the organization.

 

Job Elements & Position Responsibilities

   Seeks continuous improvement opportunities in, but not limited to:

• Quality (complaints, claims, cost of quality, systems reject, suppliers)
• Productivity (efficiency, capacity, costs, service)
• Processes (non-value-added step reductions)
• Value analysis/value engineering (product, process improvements to reduce costs)
• Lean Manufacturing (value stream mapping, 5S, SMED, etc.)
• Safety (accident reduction, audit program, supervisor awareness)
• Environmental (energy conservation/reduction, disposal of chemicals, cleanliness)
• Data collection about identified projects.
• Member of the Regional Operations team
• Leads the APS system for North America
• Identifies cost savings related to global/regional CI activities.
• Provides status updates on continuous improvement projects/initiatives.
• Lead CI Events/Activities as needed to support CI Goals

 

Required qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or equivalent experience; advanced degree helpful

Experience & Skills

• Certified Black Belt or Senior Black Belt 
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and relate well with at levels within the organization.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and process analysis skills; when necessary, must be able to delve into areas where no precedent exists successfully.
• Very detail-oriented, strong quality conscious, and possess excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to lead organizational improvements and motivate others to achieve desired results.
• Ability to travel 30% of the time to other locations.