Continuous Improvement Manager

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for assessing manufacturing systems and processes against strategic objectives related to safety/quality/productivity/cost reduction, scoping out activities to close performance gaps, and executing activities to drive improvements. Additionally, this position makes decisions regarding product quality with appropriate awareness of customer needs, manufacturing processes, production schedule, and product function. This position will provide training and awareness to the organization to further understanding of process compliance, quality systems, and continuous improvement systems. The Continuous Improvement Manager also maintains the Quality Management System with all associated auditing and reporting requirements.

The Continuous Improvement Manager reports to the Director of Operations and is responsible for all manufacturing improvement in Rite-Hite Products Corporation manufacturing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Conduct annual gap analysis of manufacturing performance vs. targets through KPI review, value stream mapping, process audits, time studies, etc.

• Scope out strategic and tactical initiatives and Kaizen events to address shortfalls in performance.

• Provide training and awareness to manufacturing personnel to enable continuous improvement activities such as 6S, PDCA, 5-Why, Lean Principles, Six Sigma, etc.

• Lead and facilitate improvement activities that facilitate realization of performance targets.

• Make product quality determinations for non-conforming product.

• Manage the Quality Management System and internal audits.

• Provide input into annual strategic planning.

• Provide quality and performance reporting as required.

• Oversee day-to-day activities of the quality control group.

• Manage warranty analysis and corrective action process.

• Oversee development and publishing of production work instructions.

• Manage document control.

• Work closely with Production, Materials and Engineering personnel and leadership.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in engineering, organizational management, or business.

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment leading continuous improvement activities.

• Six Sigma certification required, or equivalent experience.

• Lean Manufacturing certification required, or equivalent experience.

• ISO9000 experience required.

• Experience in welding and assembly operations preferred.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Problem solving methodology (8D, PDCA, 5-Why, etc)

• Skill in root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action.

• Work instruction creation.

• Time study methodology.

• Value stream mapping.

• 6S methodology.

• VAVE methodology.

• Process auditing methodology.

• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing knowledge.

• Statistical Process Control knowledge.

• Design of Experiments knowledge.

• MS Word and Excel experience.

• Ability to communicate effectively across different organizational levels.

• Strong written communication skills.

• Project management skills.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically.

• Ability to mentor and develop emerging talent.

• Able to travel up to 20% domestically.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Build and manage a team of direct reports, fostering growth and accountability.