Continuous Improvement Manager
Waterloo, IA

Continuous Improvement Manager

$100-160K plus bonus

Waterloo, Iowa 

Our Waterloo, IA manufacturing client is looking to hire a Continuous Improvement Manager. The CI Manager will be responsible for identifying and completing projects and key initiatives through the use of Lean, Six Sigma and Project Management Process Improvement Methodologies. This CI Manager will work closely with the Regional Continuous Improvement Leader to identify and drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives that result in performance and customer satisfaction improvement. 

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

·         Develop continuous improvement – lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies in the day to day operations.

·         Facilitate process improvement teams and provide counsel and assistance to the project team leaders with respect to facilitation techniques, quality systems, continual improvement, people development and safety improvement.

·         Deploy the appropriate People/Safety/Quality/Cost/Delivery/Productivity metrics and management routines at all levels of the organization.

·         Develop and maintain the site’s annual 12-month rolling lean implantation plan based on strategic plan.

·         Assist leadership in planning, development, coordination support, and execution of high impact (immediate and long term) improvement plans for effective and sustainable cost saving initiatives while making sure lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives are aligned with customer focused metrics.

Education & Experience Requirements:

·          Bachelors degree (Business or Engineering preferred). Advanced degree a plus.

·         3+ years of project facilitation experience.

·         Lean Manufacturing and Lean Deployment experience.

·         Six Sigma Green Belt Certification required.  Black Belt preferred.

·         Strong analytical and problem solving skills, knowledge and ability to train on methodologies at all levels of the organization.

·         A demonstrated understanding of Lean principles such as Value Stream Mapping, Just-In-Time, Demand Flow, Single Piece Flow, Continuous Improvement Process, Kaizen, SPC, Six Sigma and Communication Tools, and Statistical Problem Solving.

·         Thorough understanding of lean tools such as standardized work, 5S, SMED, TPM, Kanban, MIFA, Error Proofing etc.

·         Proven ability to coach, mentor, and energize team members.

·         Strong facilitation, interpersonal communication, verbal/written communication and presentation skills.