Continuous Improvement Manager

• Engage, enhance, and fully execute the “Hunter Douglas Lean Management System”.
• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects through cross-functional team facilitation and project management.
• Drive the adherence of standard work and ensures the integration with Lean Management System.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and tools (e.g., value stream mapping, Kaizen, Charters, 5S, Gemba walks, LMS, root cause problem solving) to identify and develop solutions that drive operational improvement in Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.
• Act as primary liaison with steering committees.
• Network with other plant’s lean leaders to leverage programs designed to continually improve operations and eliminate waste, fostering best practice and standardization.
• Provide leadership by mentoring associates in the use of Lean tools, ensuring transfer of knowledge, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collect and analyze the data on Plant processes, procedures and performance using evaluation tools and make recommendations on improvement opportunities/kaizens.
• Establish collaborative relationship with local plant management.
• Implement and enforce new Standard Work Documents and refresh existing Standard Work, for all workstations and products in the plant.
• Validate newly written Job Instructions and Standard Work for correctness, process, layout, etc.
• Certify, train, and audit employees in use, understanding, and adherence to Standard Work specifications.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a system for updating Standard Work, providing the latest versions at each workstation, as well as documenting employee training and certification.
• Review and train employees and management in the use of problem solving, quality, and analysis tools.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement new ideas, layouts, equipment, jigs, where feasible.
• Ensure processes are followed and consistent product quality is achieved according to internal specifications and external customer expectations.
• Lead Root Cause Corrective Measures (RCCM) activities and quality improvement initiatives, in conjunction with operations/department management, Engineering, and Hunter Douglas Product Brand Teams, facilitating contact and follow-up with all support groups, i.e. IT, Maintenance, etc.
• Monitor and implement corrective actions for internal and external Quality by starting and participating in rapid improvement cycles.
• Provide analysis on quality improvement to reduce/eliminate plant controllable errors.
• Contributes to HD Lean Culture of continuous improvement, working with managers, supervisors, and employees, to identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Effectively communicate with management, peers, shifts, support groups, other Hunter Douglas Divisions, and employees throughout the company.

Who you are

• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain strong business relationships
• Ability to work independently, making sound decisions regarding daily functions/priorities while reporting non-routine decisions to Management
• Working knowledge of control and quality systems
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills along with superior computer skills, i.e. SAP, EPIC, BW, Excel, Word, PPTX, Minitab (or other statistical software).
• Excellent communication and teaching skills, with a strong ability to rally employees and teams
• Proven ability to adapt and manage effectively in a changing environment
• Strong understanding of and commitment to manufacturing excellence
• Must be precise with the highest focus on quality and customer experience