What are the responsibilities and job description for the CI Engineer position at Vanguard Furniture Co Inc?
Position Summary: Support Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence initiatives through technical expertise, problem solving techniques, and quality systems analysis. Determine ways to eliminate waste in production processes. Devise efficient ways to use workers, machines, materials, and information to make a product. Facilitate Kaizen Events to drive improvement using strengths of fellow associates and educate team members on value of Lean.
Position Responsibilities:
• Clearly communicate the Continuous Improvement group’s philosophy, vision, and expectations.
• Lead value stream mapping exercises to identify and document opportunities to improve the business (Current & Future state). Develop and execute project plans in order to achieve the Future State.
• Develop and implement sustainable 6S, visual control, Load Smoothing, Total Productive Maintenance, and other Lean programs.
• Facilitate the planning and implementation of workplace flow & layout, as well as equipment installations, modifications, and moves according to Lean concepts.
• Facilitate continuous improvement activities via Kaizens, Trainings, DMAIC projects, and through daily interaction with site associates.
• Facilitate leadership and others to Gemba to truly understand and implement improvements.
• Deliver and improve the process of training and development of site employees regarding Lean concepts.
• Audit processes 6S efforts to ensure sustainability.
• Uses video/time study to address real or perceived issues with labor standards.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with employees and peers through interpersonal skills and timely communication.
• Act as a change agent in a fast-paced environment.
Education and Experience:
• BS degree in Engineering and/or equivalent experience - required
• 3-5 years of manufacturing experience desired
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods, systems, and production processes - required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) - required
• Must be process/results oriented and demonstrate attention-to-detail
• Working knowledge of office technical tools and software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, AutoCAD, analysis of manufacturing data)
• Background/familiarity of Lean tools (DMAIC, Visual Management, 6S, etc.)
Physical demands and work environment:
• Lift / Carry: Frequently lifting <20 lbs.; occasionally lifting >35 lbs.; team lift >35 lbs.
• Reach / Handle / Grasp: Repetitive use of feet and hands required.
• Sitting/Standing: Must be able to sit and/or stand up to 8 hours.