Job Description

SUMMARY

The Continuous Improvement Engineer position is responsible for leading initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost and will act as a project / Kaizen leader, providing technical expertise in Continuous Improvement and driving results by assisting in the development and execution of a "Shyft Production System."

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, support, and follow-up the transformation to a lean culture at the company
• Assist, lead, drive, and sustain the cultural and technical changes necessary to make company a world-class Lean organization
• Promote the development and implementation of a "Shyft Production System"
• Provide leadership and be a catalyst for implementing Lean Enterprise principles, tools, and techniques
• Coach and lead Lean and continuous improvement projects across the organization
• Constantly strive to optimize work, material, and information flows and processes, eliminate non-value-added activities, weak process design, and improve internal and external customer satisfaction through sustainable processes
• Communicate with cross-functional (engineering, materials, purchasing, sales, etcetera) and cross-location teams to design common work standards, systems, and other elements of superior manufacturing practices
• Support the development and implementation of Lean Production systems design, tools, and techniques
• Support the creation of a learning environment/culture through problem solving and envisioning the future state condition
• Facilitate and drive process improvements, efficient plant layouts, quality, cost, and safety, using Lean methodologies
• Value stream map (VSM) processes and identify/eliminate waste
• Lead and train Lean programs and Kaizen/Lean events
• Evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of existing continuous improvement projects underway - modify, eliminate, and accelerate as appropriate
• Continually communicate direction and focus
• Establish and communicate performance standards for team members and consistently compare performance against the standards
• Develop, interpret, and apply required policies and procedures
• Advise Production Managers on resources, projects, status, and outcomes
• Assist teams with organizing projects; apply formal project management disciplines and train shop floor and office employee in Lean
• Construct, as deliverables, Standardized Work Chart, Job Element Sheet, and Work Combination Sheets as required. Update as required.
• Prepare all required reports and correspondence
• Solve complex problems with minimal assistance
• Technical Writing

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Lean, or Continuous Improvement
• Minimum of 6 years' experience with leading Lean/Six Sigma transformations; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Advanced training in Lean Manufacturing, 6S, SMED, Standardized Work, Job Instruction and other continuous improvement methodologies preferred
• Lean, and Toyota Production System (TPS) certifications preferred
• Self-motivated with the ability to stay on task
• Innovative team player with customer perspective as highest priority.
• Intermediate computer skills are required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Commitment to excellence and high standards
• Sound judgment with the ability to make timely, and sometimes difficult, decisions
• Proven ability to:
  • Handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
  • Lead and energize others and build buy-in with multiple stakeholders
• Versatile, flexible, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities
• Motivated with a high level of energy to champion change
• Leading Lean/Six Sigma transformations.
• Advanced Training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 6S, SMED, and other continuous improvement methodologies preferred
• Willing to travel approximately 15% of the time
• Able to:
  • Effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
  • Organize time, set schedules, and meet deadlines; leading by example
  • Achieve results without direct authority
• Strong:
  • Communication skills, verbal and written
  • Leadership attributes and interpersonal skills
  • Project management skills
  • Organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified Individual with a Disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. more