Continuous Improvement Lead

Company Description

For over 100 years, BlueScope continues to build on our reputation of quality brands and products, leading technology and a customer-first spirit. Through our global brands, we are one of the largest manufacturers of building solutions in the world. Our diverse, bright and inspired workforce is committed to bettering the communities we serve through breakthrough thinking and innovations. Your goals, ideas and perspective can help shape our future – we look forward to hearing them!

Job Description

This role is responsible for leading and managing the continuous improvement (CI) function throughout the organization. This includes developing and implementing CI plans, leading projection selection events and initiatives in line with BlueScope Coated Products strategy and goals, and commissioning CI teams that evolve from those events. The role will also involve coaching and mentoring employees on CI methods and tools, as well as conducting training on CI topics. In addition, the Continuous Improvement Leader will be responsible for monitoring CI KPIs and metrics, and reporting on progress to senior management.

Key Focus Areas

• Continuous Improvement Leader is a critical role in driving operational excellence across multiple BCP sites. This leader will champion CI culture across the organization, working collaboratively with teams across the entire business footprint to implement and sustain lean manufacturing principles, process optimization strategies, and data-driven decision-making.
• Key influencer of the direct leaders and employees within BCP to identify areas in need of improvement
• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency and quality. Document (procedures, work instructions, forms, etc) to support improvement activities.
• Proactively analyze data and processes to identify trends and discover areas of opportunity for cost savings, cost avoidance, and efficiency gains.
• Monitor progress of Continuous Improvement initiatives and prepare reports detailing findings and recommendations to senior management
• Facilitate training on continuous improvement tools and techniques
• Maintain high visibility at the sites, engaging employees and fostering a culture where improvement ideas are valued and acted upon.
• Embrace the role of a catalyst, facilitating the implementation of improvement programs and overcoming any cultural resistance along the way.
• The successful candidate will act as both a coach and a hands-on expert, guiding teams in identifying and eliminating waste, streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and improving overall operational performance.

Objectives:

• Lead and manage the continuous improvement function throughout the organization to drive process improvements and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement Continuous Improvement strategies, plans and initiatives in alignment with the organization’s business goals and objectives.
• Coach, mentor and train employees on Lean/Continuous Improvement tools and methodologies.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements across all departments and functions within the organization.
• Lead events/projects aimed at improving processes, eliminating waste and reducing costs.
• Track, measure and report on the progress of Continuous Improvement initiatives within the organization against set targets/goals
• Drive tangible and measurable improvements of key processes through the leadership, training and mentoring of a team.
• Assist teams in developing a roadmap to use in the deployment of strategic objectives.
• Directly supports a site in achieving strategic deployment objectives by conducting on-site workshops, Kaizen events, assessments or Gemba walks and providing guidance through the continuous improvement transformation process.
• Identifies and shares best practices across organization.
• Work with the Plant Managers and other functional leaders throughout BCP to define current state situation, assess gaps in process, capabilities, & talent, while assisting in the development of the future state in line with strategic plans

Qualifications

Required: To be considered for this position, you must possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in business, engineering, or related field
• Five (5) years of combined continuous improvement experience in manufacturing, operations, or Lean Principles.
• Experience operating and communicating at the senior and executive levels internally and externally and managing interdepartmental processes.
• Strong leadership, communication, teaching and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Proven ability to conduct FEMA’s & Process Capability Studies. (Cpk analysis)
• Demonstrable expertise in Lean Manufacturing methodologies, such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, and A3 problem-solving.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and facilitate continuous improvement workshops/events in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, using a data-driven approach to decision making.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Access, Word, and Excel

Desired Qualifications: To be considered an ideal candidate, you should possess some or all of the following qualifications:

• Black Belt Certification or equivalent in Lean or Six Sigma from recognized organization preferred
• Project Management knowledge a must (PMP certification preferred)
• Steel Industry manufacturing and/or operational experience
• Knowledge of manufacturing best practices
• Strong sense of urgency
• Proactive communicator

Skills and Abilities

At BlueScope we believe in investing in our employees through our Leading at BlueScope Attributes. Below are attributes that will key to your success at BlueScope:

• High energy, results-oriented individual who makes a difference - takes initiative, makes things happen, accepts accountability, and has a "can do" attitude; has a sense of urgency.
• Creative and flexible in attitude and style to adapt to new situations in a rapidly changing, dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintain high visibility on the sites, engaging employees and fostering a culture where improvement ideas are valued and acted upon.
•  Embrace the role of a catalyst, facilitating the implementation of improvement programs and overcoming any cultural resistance along the way.
• Develop effective relationships with all levels of staff and functional groups. Possess an ability to influence outcomes, with higher-order communication, change management, and influencing skills without being the direct supervisor.

Work Environment

• BlueScope embraces flexible working arrangements where possible and mutually agreed.

Additional Information

The preceding job responsibilities and tasks were designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by associates in this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all job duties and responsibilities required of associates assigned to this job. Associates may be required to perform other duties as assigned. Additional job competencies, individual goals, and performance measurements are set at the department level.

EEO Employer/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veteran

BlueScope is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status, as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. 

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