JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Continuous Improvement is responsible for identifying, leading, and executing continuous improvement initiatives within the organization. This role focuses on engaging with our people to optimize processes, enhance safety, quality, and performance, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. It requires a hands-on leader to understand and address specific challenges and opportunities.

Direct Reports: None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Safety Engagement: Be a role model within the safety culture. Incorporate safety evaluation and enhancement into all continuous improvement activities.

2. Strategic Planning: Develop and execute a strategic plan for continuous improvement, aligning it with the organization's goals and objectives.

3. Process Improvement: Identify, analyze, and streamline existing processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall productivity. Be hands-on in production when necessary to gain insights into process intricacies.

4. Team Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing continuous improvement organization, providing guidance, training, and support to team members. Participate in the production process to understand team dynamics and operational challenges.

5. Change Management: Drive a culture of change and continuous improvement throughout the organization, ensuring that employees understand and embrace the principles of improvement. Lead by example by actively participating in the hands-on aspects of production.

6. Data Analysis: Use data-driven methodologies and tools to measure performance, identify areas for improvement, and track progress. Collect firsthand data through hands-on involvement in production processes.

7. Project Management: Lead cross-functional improvement projects, ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget. Provide hands-on support and guidance to project teams as required.

8. Quality Control: Implement quality control measures and ensure adherence to quality standards in all processes, including direct involvement in quality control when necessary.

9. Training and Development: Develop and deliver training programs for employees at all levels to enhance their understanding of continuous improvement principles. Conduct practical training sessions in the production environment.

10. Cost Reduction: Identify opportunities to reduce operational costs and lead initiatives to achieve cost savings. Be actively engaged in cost-saving measures within the production processes.

11. Reporting: Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management to communicate the progress and impact of continuous improvement efforts, using real-life production experiences to provide context.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Business, Engineering, Operations), with a master's degree preferred.

2. Proven experience in leading and implementing continuous improvement initiatives within a complex organization.

3. Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire cross-functional teams.

4. In-depth knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Total Quality Management.

5. Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools.

6. Excellent communication and presentation skills.

7. Change management expertise, including the ability to overcome resistance and drive cultural change.

8. Project management skills and experience in managing large-scale improvement projects.

9. Certification in relevant continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.

10. Proficiency in software tools commonly used for data analysis and project management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Standing and walking for extended periods, particularly when actively involved in production or process improvement activities.

• Maneuvering within a manufacturing or production environment, which may involve exposure to various elements such as noise, dust, and varying temperatures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position works primarily in an office environment with consistent lighting and temperature controls. Occasional exposure to the manufacturing floor is necessary to address issues.