Continuous Improvement Manager

Position Summary:

The CBS Manager is responsible for leading and driving the deployment of the Crane Business System (CBS) across the site, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. This position serves as the primary change agent, coach, facilitator, and technical resource for Lean manufacturing and business process improvement initiatives.

The CBS Manager partners with site leadership and cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement opportunities that support the achievement of strategic business objectives related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Growth, and Employee Engagement. This role is responsible for coordinating the site's Continuous Improvement roadmap, facilitating Kaizen events, developing internal talent and tool champions, and ensuring the sustainability of continuous improvement gains.

Additionally, the CBS Manager applies engineering and Lean methodologies to optimize manufacturing processes, improve operational performance, eliminate waste, and support compliance with quality management system requirements and industry standards through improvement initiatives as per IATF 16949-2016 to achieve set sigma level for value stream. Guide production team on issue resolution using knowledge relevant to your department specialties. 

Principle Duties (includes, but is not limited to):

• Lead, Participate and facilitate kaizen and project events to achieve strategic business targets in the areas of Growth, Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.
• Recommends and implements improvements to production processes, methods, and controls. Coordinates manufacturing launch for new or revised products.
• Ensures timely and successful completion of Kaizen (flow & process) Projects and provides on-going feedback and progress reports as required to Leadership Team.
• Serve as main resource and engineer for the completion of all technical improvements in the Newspaper items of a Kaizen event.
• Designs, develops, and tests and/or sources cost-justified various tools, machinery, and equipment for recommended manufacturing methods.
• Performs product process analysis for safety improvements, cost reduction, quality improvement, and improved efficiency.
• Performs research, design and development of manufacturing processes including production flow, assembly methods and production equipment.
• Uses sound engineering principles and established procedural disciplines to execute projects from conception to completion.
• Provides training, mentoring and support to develop Certified Tool Champions through the organization.
• Work with all levels of the Site Leadership team to identify significant improvement opportunities that drive our SDP and SQDCG metrics.
• Manage the “Kaizen Roadmap” to coordinate Kaizen events across the site.
• Become officially certified as a “Tool Champion” in 4 tools prioritized by management within a 12-month period.
• Facilitate Kaizen Events per Kaizen Roadmap schedule (facilitation means to deliver training and overall guidance for Kaizen Events).
• Continuously audit Kaizen Event results across the site.
• Assume projects as an individual contributor as requested by the Site Leader.
• Participate in quality improvements as per IATF 16949 2016 ensure to complete toll gates for DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA, Process capability study for in house process
• Ensure requirements of relevant standards like ISO 9001-2015, PED 2014/68/EU, API Spec. Q1, API 6D, etc. are being consistently met and improved.

Essential Qualifications / Experience:

• B.S. in Engineering or related degree.
• Proficient in Excel and other Microsoft Office software. 
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

•  2-3 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. 
• Background in ISO 9001 or related standards
• A demonstrated history of successfully facilitating changes that involve all levels of employees.
• Hands-on experience with the successful application of CBS Tools (Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work for Flow, Problem Solving, Material Replenishment Systems, Transactional Process Improvement, Total Productive Maintenance, Single Minute Exchange of Dies, Production Preparation Process, and Process Control).
• Understanding of manufacturing process & product specifications.

EOE/Women/Minorities/Veterans/Disabled

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.