Continuous Improvement Engineer

Description

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for helping with performance improvement in our key measurables (SQPD) through incorporation of lean principles and projects. Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Work Closely with the General Manager/Plant Manager to understand and improve the business
• Improve safety, quality, productivity, and delivery in all departments
• Drive all aspects of the MDI (managing for daily improvement) program throughout the facility
• Collaborate with the GM/PM to set yearly Plant Lean Progression goals and create an execution plan.
• Be an accountability partner with the management team for completion of daily Leadership Standard Work; help team understand the importance
• Attend and help drive Gemba Walks; challenge and mentor team to improve effectiveness
• Maintain Improvement tracking on CI Dashboard
• Attend and contribute to the weekly plant Gemba walks with Executive Team
• Plan, execute, lead, and follow-up on kaizen events
• Keep Event Calendar up to date
• Improve processes and eliminate waste in key constraint areas
• Follow-up assessment (5 Why’s) and action item owner/assigner
• Assign action items and the improvements that are listed on the SQPD boards
• Complete capacity analysis for all work cells
• Create and maintain standard work instructions, SOPs, 5S Checklists, and standard work audits
• Continue to refine LEAN Philosophy in all department activities
• Interact with production management and team members to identify waste and improvement opportunities
• Create and maintain value stream maps for the facility
• Mentor and train staff on lean concepts and practices
• Drive measurable continuous improvement
• Other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree – Prefer Engineering or Management
• 3+ years’ Lean Manufacturing experience
• Experience leading Kaizen Events
• Value Stream Experience is a plus
• Able to drive and lead change
• Experience with leading teams
• Experience with wood products is a plus
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Fluent with Microsoft word and excel
• Models VT’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• All team members are expected to follow the Code of Conduct to the highest standards as well as to adhere to the Attendance Policy of VT Industries.

Physical Requirements

Tolerance for sitting long periods of time.  Possess finger dexterity to write, type, and use a calculator.  Maintain adequate vision to view small print and computer terminal.  Ability to speak and hear, walk throughout facilities with occasional moderate lifting (50 pounds), stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching with hands and arms required.  Ability to travel between multiple facilities as required to perform core job duties. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Ability to climb up or down ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces. Ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.