Continuous Improvement Kaizen Specialist II

We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

What we do:

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.​

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Kaizen Specialist II supports lean transformation, employee engagement, and problem solving to promote a “creativity before capital” mindset. The CI Kaizen Specialist II will partner with site leadership, and the CI team, to work through rapid experiments while supporting site transformation through LEAN processes.

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Kaizen Specialist II supports lean transformation, employee engagement, and problem solving to promote a “creativity before capital” mindset.  The CI Kaizen Specialist II will partner with site leadership, and the CI team, to work through rapid experiments while supporting site transformation through LEAN processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

·         Gather data and manage all preparatory work necessary to execute Kaizen activity.

·         Facilitate Kaizens.

·         Work with CI Specialists to apply high levels of technical creativity to construct machines, equipment, and tools that support employees to gain competitive advantage.

·         Apply the 3P process of "try storming" simulation to prove concepts, followed up with quickly assembling solutions that benefit the overall goals.

·         Train employees across campus on continuous improvement tasks and processes including Kaizen prep work and Kaizen execution.

·         Perform as a key role in the New Product Development Process.

·         Maintain primary work area in accordance to 5S standards. Improve, implement, and sustain 5S, Standard Work, Flow, Visual Management, TPM, Error Proofing.

·         Ability to work with cross function teams to provide solutions quickly and efficiently to manufacturing and material handling related issues.

·         Work with Kaizen road map and productivity funnel and hopper to prioritize projects and manage customer expectations.

·         Ability to work in team-oriented environment to accomplish large projects as well as self-management skills when working on smaller tasks.

·         Communicate consistently with internal customers regarding status of requests.

·         Prepare report-outs for Kaizen and other activities to senior leadership.

·         .

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         High School Diploma or equivalent required

·         Lean Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred.

·         2+ plus years of experience in manufacturing with a focus on lean processes and management.

·         High proficiency in Microsoft software including Visio; PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

·         Able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with minimal supervision and be willing to attend training as needed.                                      

·         Ability to self-direct and execute a daily and weekly action plan.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, talk, and/or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

·         Work in office environment and manufacturing environment

·         May occasionally be required to perform job duties outside the typical office setting.

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs
• Learn more about our benefit offerings here: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.