Continuous Improvement Engineer

At GAF, we cover more than just buildings. We cover each other. Under this roof, you will have the tools and resources you need to grow and develop in your career. You will experience our incredible culture and will be empowered to support your teammates, your customers, and especially your community. Under this roof, we define the future while leading the present through our deep well of experience and our responsibility to the future to drive improvements and innovation in our products. We are GAF. And under this roof, we protect what matters most.

About GAF - Newton, Kansas

Newton is a vibrant Kansas community founded in 1871 on a spirit of work, from its earliest days as a railroad, agriculture and cattle drive hub. With a population of about 20,000, Newton and neighboring North Newton features an active arts community, three National Historic Districts, a variety of museums, trails, restaurants, shops and attractions, Bethel College, award winning school districts, a championship golf course, first-class convention center and many other amenities. This collaborative region is close to dynamic Wichita and may be the next best place for you to call home, in GAF’s newest “Field of Dreams!” 

New Plant, New Opportunities

If you haven’t been part of a greenfield startup, now is your chance. GAF is the North American leader in residential roofing materials. We are honored to be constructing our newest shingle manufacturing facility in Newton KS and hiring is underway as we build our initial plant leadership team. Due to our investment in training and the development of employees, you will have the opportunity to travel to our other locations, engage with peers, support the hiring of plant staff and participate in the design and construction of the facility. Expect your first years to be rewarding and challenging with an amazing team fully supporting you. You will wear many hats during the construction and commissioning phases of the project, and ease into your steady role over time.

The Residential Operations GAF Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for supporting the integration of continuous improvement in the plant operations at a specific plant or multiple plants. Responsible and accountable for continuous improvement and efficiencies across the plant's products, systems, operations and processes. This position reports directly to the Plant Manager. The ideal candidate will have a solid lean and/or six sigma background with the ability to coach, train and drive these projects within the plant.
Essential Duties

• Lead the implementation of lean principles to drive results (Safety, Quality, Customer Delivery, Cost Management) in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

• This is a change agent role meaning it is accountable for achieving results by implementing lean manufacturing methods through influence, facilitation, coaching, and mentoring the production and support teams (without any direct authority)

• Create a culture of continuous improvement by engaging people in improving the business. Developing the site team through hands-on improvement projects combined with relevant training in all manufacturing, support, and administrative functions

• Measure and report progress to the site team and Plant Manager. Ensuring that improvement projects and training are consistent with GAF Business Systems standards and sustained over time. Advertising the plant team’s successes to upper management and ensuring credit is given at the lowest level possible in the organization

• Conduct gap assessments and ensure conformance to requirements of GAF Business Systems standards

• Develop programs for quality improvements and actively promotes Continuous Improvement

• Present, facilitates and leads assigned process improvement events (Kaizen)

• Train and develop staff competencies in basic and advanced problem solving methodologies

• Collaborate with cross-organizational manufacturing management teams to ensure appropriate participation and support

• GAF is a tobacco and e-cigarette free facility

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Engineering

• The equivalent of 5+ years in a leadership role in manufacturing

Qualifications Preferred

• Experience in implementing continuous improvements and improvement systems

• Excellent leadership, organizational and follow-up skills

• Experience in supporting logistics, supply chain and 3rd party outsourcing and application of industrial systems management (IE methods)

• Strong problem solving, team building, planning and decision-making skills

• Driven and able to influence others through leadership, teaching, and hands-on demonstrations of Lean principles and practices

• Able to communicate effectively through all facets of the organization

• Positive influencing, encouraging, and motivating others to get results

• Effective presentation and group facilitation skills are required

• Proficient in developing Google Sheets, Slides, etc

• Knowledgeable of bills of material, inventory methods, and purchasing strategies

• Solid understanding of quality systems (data management, lab/test equipment calibration management, sampling and test plans, nonconformance/disposition, supplier management, CAPA, auditing)

• Ability to work independently, manage through others and maintain schedules and deadlines

Base salary and/or rate of pay ranges listed are exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses. Individual compensation offers will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to geographic location, relevant candidate experience and skill, education, and/or qualifications.

Base Salary Range: $92,000-$126,500

How We Protect What Matters Most:

1. We offer a wide range of health insurance options that include medical, dental, and vision for you and your family. 2. Our Family-Building benefits support the many different journeys to fertility and parenthood. 3. Our robust 401K plan includes an employer match contribution with your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions. 4. Other exciting programs and perks are available to help employees achieve work-life balance, including (but not limited to) a wellness program, free financial coaching, a referral program, and product rebates when purchased for an employee’s primary residence. 5. Professional growth and development are very important to us! We offer internal training programs and courses, as well as a generous tuition reimbursement program. 6. We're committed to fostering a culture that reflects our values to connect, empower, evolve, and inspire. We offer many opportunities for employees to connect with one another, including through our Employee Resource Groups who focus on education and allyship for all of our employees.

GAF complies with federal, state, and local disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR Services at 833-HR-XPERT.

We believe our employees are our greatest resource. We offer competitive salary, benefits, 401k, and vacation packages for all full time permanent positions. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity on the basis of each candidate's qualifications, experience, and merit, without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. If applying for positions in the U.S., must be eligible to work in the U.S. without need for employer sponsored visa (work permit).