Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager

Description The primary function of this position is to utilize data and analytics to provide recommendations for improvements in the areas of efficiency, throughput, safety, quality, on-time delivery, and overall business effectiveness and efficiency. The Continuous Improvement Manager may also aid in problem solving, policy and process adherence, and objective setting and implementation. The Site Continuous Improvement Manager develops, observes, evaluates, and improves manufacturing methods and processes to reduce costs and increase production efficiency.

• Develop a manufacturing map of current and future state value streams (from procurement to order fulfillment).
• Develops, observes, evaluates, and improves manufacturing methods and processes to reduce costs
• Review and analysis of space requirements, workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.
• Confers with engineering staff concerning product design and tooling to ensure efficient production methods.
• Confers with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluates products according to specifications and quality standards.
• Estimates production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.
• Confers with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, and other considerations to facilitate production processes
• Applies statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements process changes and improvements.
• Drive monthly metrics with root cause analysis and detailed action plans
• Assist on improving the daily management process, including metrics and communication methods (Gemba boards, etc.)
• Lead the implementation of 5S and visual management initiatives throughout the facility.
• Leads Kaizen events for site-based teams, focusing on a specific area of improvement, driving rapid improvements and spreading the knowledge of the Daikin Production System (PDS) system down to all levels of the facility.
• Act as a change agent towards the site’s future state, while enhancing production employees’ skill level to empower problem solving and improve processes.
• Use SQDC and PDCA to track and measure Kaizen progress.
• Lead and support identification and application of best practices and operating standards.
• Support strategy development and deployment for strategic business priorities. Requirements Supervision Exercised: · No direct reports, but will manage teams of workers on CI projects. Technical Requirements · In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, mechanics of plant equipment, and advanced computer skills (MS Office, SAP) Knowledge/Experience: · 3-7+ years manufacturing, technical or R & D experience · Lean Manufacturing training/experience Education Requirement: Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Supply Chain or similar Technical degree program Licenses Or Certifications . N/A Special Skills · Skills to serve as a change agent. · Ability to challenge the status quo. · Ability to foster teamwork. · Strong leadership skills that include being a self-starter. · Ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment. · Strong (advanced) mathematical skills. · Communications: Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong presentation skills preferred. · Must be able to work extra time and change schedules as needed to meet company requirements. Work Environment: · Manufacturing floor, warehouses, office. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. · The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. · While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. · The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. · The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. AAF International is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran. We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, uniform servicemember status, age, disability or any other legally recognized protected personal characteristics.