Continuous Improvement Lead

Transco

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

Who We Are: 

Transco Railway Products, Inc. has been the leader in providing railcar maintenance and services to the railcar industry.  We have earned a reputation for honesty, integrity, and superior quality which has allowed us to establish a committed customer base.  Transco is part of Marmon - a strong, growing, global organization that consists of more than 100 autonomous manufacturing and service companies.    

Job Summary: 

The Continuous Improvement Lead reports to the Plant Manager and is responsible for leading continuous improvement activities to achieve the targeted savings for a plant operation. The individual will actively promote and facilitate the use of continuous improvement methods (e.g., LEAN tools, root cause analysis, waste reduction, etc.) to improve performance in safety, quality, performance, and cost every day. This position is responsible for working directly with and influencing all levels of employees within the plant.   

Job Responsibilities: 

• Effective facilitation and execution of Value Stream Maps and Kaizen/Impact Events through all stages (A3 charter ideation / creation, pre-work identification and completion, delivery of results in Kaizen/Impact week, regular follow up, and follow through on sustainment). 

• Independently identifies process gaps, recommends, and implements process improvement. 

• Management of the lean transformational activities and projects at a plant. 

• Provide formal and informal training, coaching, and mentoring to employees: must be able to translate concepts to local situations and help individuals and teams progress in understanding and correct application for sustainable business improvements. 

• Coach process owners how to use engineering and Lean methods to achieve operational excellence. 

• Establishes and implements performance measures. Provide regular reports of data and actions to measure progress against the plant objectives. 

• Work with site leadership to conduct assessments of critical site and business needs. Actively partnering with process owners to ensure results delivered / future state achieved and ability to connect the dots in the Operations function and ensure business priorities come first. 

• Establish agenda and frequency and lead the regular Management Review meetings. Develop a thorough effective and timely continuous improvement plan to address the top business needs. 

• Drive process improvement activities to achieve dramatic improvement in the key business metrics of safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee development. 

• Develop personal and plant competency in the application of continuous improvement methods and Lean tools. 

• Lean: Proficiency with: Creating Cell Designs, Managing Material Flow, Design Plan for Every Part Systems (PFEP), Setting up/operation of Kanban, Lean Mfg. Systems, Developing and most important managing to: Leader Standard Work, Visual Management Systems and Management Accountability Systems, Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA). 

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other digital, work-enabling systems. 

• Ability to effectively communicate through computer, writing, and voice with a diverse workforce 

• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills 

• Ability to tour the facility during multiple shifts to assess learning and development opportunities, including troubleshooting process performance metrics 

• Strong relationship-building capabilities with diverse stakeholders (e.g., peers, frontline workforce, plant management, etc.) 

• Energy, enthusiasm, and initiative to create programs and drive outcomes, balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

• Ability to lead and influence others without formal control to achieve desired results 

• Ability to travel 10% to other facilities/shops. 

Education/Experience/Qualifications: 

• HS Diploma, or equivalent, required 

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or operations related field 

• Minimum 3-yrs experience required working i