Continuous Improvement Technician

Company Overview

Since 2005, TAG Manufacturing has led the industry in durable, quality, reliable attachments for excavators, backhoes, wheel loaders and other heavy construction equipment. We serve dealers, rental companies, and OEMs across the nation with a full range of buckets and attachments to match the toughest jobs and applications. Designed and manufactured at our headquarters in Chattanooga, TN; TAG buckets, thumbs, couplers, and other attachments are adaptable to any brand of excavator or construction equipment.

Job Overview

The Continuous Improvement Technician will play a crucial role in supporting the Continuous Improvement Manager in enhancing operational efficiency and driving process improvements within the organization. This position requires actively engaging in continuous improvement initiatives, primarily focusing on follow-up actions and identifying gaps in existing processes and assisting in the implementation of improvement projects and initiatives by providing valuable insights, data analysis, and support in identifying areas for improvement.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate, assist, and lead kaizen events to drive system and process improvement.
• Support the implementation of process improvement projects.
• Exhibit and develop a high level of critical thinking skills.
• Proficiently apply and train practical, team-based problem-solving methodology.
• Facilitate the adoption of continuous improvement as a way of life; foster positive culture change.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented changes and measuring success through data analysis.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply and train others in the application of lean tools and methodologies.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement solutions for process improvements.
• Autonomously identify and eliminate waste in manufacturing processes.
• Continuously develop skills and abilities in line with organizational goals.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, waste removal, and cost reduction.
• Maintaining documentation and reports related to continuous improvement projects.
• Planning, facilitating, and executing continuous improvement events.
• Teaching, leading, and coaching cross-functional teams on 5S and Continuous Improvement methodology.
• Facilitate regular 5S audit standards and execution through the facility.
• Keep up to date with industry trends and best practices in continuous improvement.
• Support the daily SQDC meetings

Qualifications / Requirements

The requirements listed below are not all inclusive but rather are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required in the position.

REQUIRED

• Demonstrates strong analytical skills to collect, analyze, and interpret data for identifying gaps and improvement opportunities within processes.
• Displays track record of attention to detail to accurately analyze data, identify trends, and spot areas for improvement.
• Utilizes problem-solving skills to identify root causes of issues and develop effective solutions.
• Communicates effectively with cross-functional teams, conduct training sessions, and facilitate workshops.
• Collaborates well in a team environment and works with individuals from various departments to drive continuous improvements initiatives.

PREFERRED

• Possess knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies to effectively implement improvement projects and utilize relevant tools.
• Previous experience applying project management skills to plan, execute, and track improvement initiatives efficiently.
• Demonstrates leadership skills to guide and inspire others in the organization to embrace continuous improvement practices.
• Exhibits a track record of expertise in change management to successfully navigate organizational change and manage resistance to change.
• Experienced in using ERP Systems, data analysis software, and other relevant technological tools for data analysis and reporting in continuous improvement projects.

Core Competencies

• Accountability: Maintain schedule and attendance requirements and meet daily work expectations. Take responsibility for daily work performance.
• Analytical Thinking: Analyze products, processes, and systems by thoroughly understanding existing factors, comparing alternatives, identifying inconsistencies, determining root causes, assessing risks, and recommending logical solutions.
• Attitude: Exhibit the willingness to learn, remain flexible and optimistic, and demonstrate a “can do” mindset.
• Commitment: Value company standards and demand commitment to the highest of standards from self and others regarding work environment, safety, and company initiatives.
• Communication: Listen attentively, ask questions or rephrase communication to ensure mutual understanding, and take necessary action. Utilize effective oral and written communication skills to share information with others, consistently communicate product or project updates, provide constructive feedback, encourage team member support, and propose solutions.
• Integrity: Maintain honesty, behave ethically, take responsibility, respect confidentiality, and demonstrate reliability with other team members, other departments, management teams, customers, and business partners.
• Teamwork: Demonstrate the ability and desire to cooperatively interact with other team members by listening to team ideas, treating others with respect, providing constructive feedback, sharing expertise, and contributing to team initiatives

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, climb, sit, crouch, and kneel for moderate to extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis
• Must be able to work in an environment that is heavily affected by seasonal temperature changes