Continuous Improvement Manager

Part of kdc/one Scented and Living solutions, we are a multinational, global leader in product development and manufacturing, key partner of the top Home & Personal Care FMCG´s Companies. To meet our growth challenges, we are pleased to involve proactive, resourceful, enthusiastic and talented professionals willing to join the team. Northern Labs, Manitowoc – Wisconsin (US), is currently looking for a

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER

Reporting to the Plant Manager, our Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for deploying and sustaining the plant's CIVM (Continuous Improvement and Visual Management) system, with a primary focus on hands-on Continuous Improvement work with Production operators and supervision at the point of operation. The role is accountable for identifying and delivering a pipeline of CI Workshop activity to meet the plant's direct and indirect cost reduction budget targets through waste elimination, and for project managing improvement activities through on-time implementation. It is also in charge of the plant's CIVM Maturity Model self-assessment and improvement roadmap and builds Continuous Improvement capability across the organization as a hands-on.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Skills: Maintain the plant's Continuous Improvement structure and network of Lean Subject Matter Experts across the plant; coordinate completion of Standard Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing principles training for all salaried and production team members; support the Production organization in aligning headcount to the Standard Staffing Model; track and maintain the plant's Skills Matrix for Continuous Improvement and Lean competencies
• Strategy & Deployment: Provide governance support to the Plant Manager for the plant's annual X Matrix strategic deployment process, aligning department KPI targets to the financial budget; the Plant Manager owns the X Matrix; own and maintain the Plant Layout and Value Stream Map, current and future state, and the Plant Eco System board. Identify, scope and build a pipeline of CI Workshop activities to meet the plant's financial budget targets. Plan and facilitate the plant's annual Kaizen Workshop calendar across EHS, CI, TPM, SCM and TQM; own the plant's CI Plan, ensuring activities are aligned to the future Value Stream Map.
• Execution & Performance: Work hands-on with Production operators and supervisors on the shop floor to identify, run and implement CI activities; own the Production Ecosystem visual management system and ensure board data is kept current. Lead the plant's 6S programme; deploy and coach the plant's problem-solving toolkit: Ishikawa, 5 Why and A3 for proactive CI problem solving, and support the reactive use of 8D for corrective issues such as customer quality complaints, ensuring findings and lessons learned are shared across the plant. Project and manage CI and Kaizen actions through to on-time implementation; own the Suggestion Scheme and drive team member participation.
• Standard Processes: Own governance of Standard Work Documents and Standard Work Instructions across Production and supporting functions, including Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance and EHS; own the Layered Process Audit programme, tracking compliance against Standard Work and 6S; own the Andon process and drive continuous improvement of Andon effectiveness and response times with input from all departments.
• Communication & Recognition: Plan and coordinate the weekly Gemba Walk schedule and routes across EHS, CI, TPM, SCM and TQM, led by the Plant Manager, and maintain the feedback loop into training, Standard Operating Procedures and improvement strategies support the plant's escalation processes at plant and production level, including periodic testing; support the plant's personal recognition and team celebration programme.
• Visual Management: Own the plant's Visual Management standards and system design for the Plant Board, Gemba Board and Cell Boards; support Safety Visuals & Compliance standards in partnership with EHS; own implementation of the standard floor marking and plant color scheme.

Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Operations, Business or a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience leading Continuous Improvement or Lean deployment within a international manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean tools, including 6S, Kaizen, X Matrix / Hoshin Kanri, standard work, proactive problem solving (Ishikawa, 5 Why, A3) and reactive corrective action (8D), visual management and Andon.
• Experience facilitating cross-functional Kaizen events and training others in Lean / Continuous Improvement methodology.
• Hands-on, shop-floor style of working
• Strong facilitation, coaching and influencing skills, with the ability to drive change without direct authority.
• Excellent analytical and project management skills, including tracking improvement actions through to on-time completion.
• Key Skills: Lean Leadership, Coaching & Facilitation, Hands-On Execution, Visual Management, Problem Solving, Strategy Deployment, Standard Work, Project Management, Cost & Waste Reduction, Change Management, Communication, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Results Orientation

Join US! Apply now and join the kdc/one Scented and Living worldwide team!

Zobele by kdc/one is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, treats all applications equally and recruits purely on the basis of skills and qualifications.