The Role 

The Continuous Improvement Manager will provide oversite, direction and technical/training support to our Site team and Engineering resources. A primary goal of this role is the development of optimized processes and human-machine solutions for our site to support the team’s efforts in delivering outstanding Quality products, with scale and efficiency, to our clients and patients. They will also lead efforts to deliver productivity improvements, Quality enhancements, labor reduction, and cost savings through application of various 5S, PDCA, Kaizen, GEMBA, and Lean tools. The right candidate for this role will possess a unique combination of skills: ability to work with a diverse team at all levels of the organization, extensive real-world engineering in hands-on applications, Cannabis regulatory involvement, influence skills applied to a diverse peer group, and strong leadership and people-development skills. A passion for our product and our patients and clients will be key to long-term success.

Primary Responsibilities

· Serve as the architect, engineer, and culture developer for the design and implementation of Operational Excellence across the IL Market

· Develop strategic road map and project plan to deliver desired state of operations

· Create a “Continuous Improvement” oriented culture that utilizes methods to demonstrate consistent and sustainable improvement in safety, throughput, service, quality, and cost

· Reduce waste and improve operational efficiencies through the execution of flow, labor, space, and inventory reductions

· Evaluate plant/facility performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and develop improvement strategy based on resources prioritized by site General Manager

· Routinely visits other sites to identify best practices across the network that can be implemented in the IL market

· Develop CI training strategy, lead, plan and organize CI/Lean Manufacturing training sessions; prepare and make presentations

· Facilitate and/or conduct training and Kaizen events

· Coach and direct team through the use of tools such as Root Cause Analysis, and Focused Improvement activities

· Build systems and standard work that drives execution, ownership and accountability to the production floor

· Develop and support KPI tracking processes on the floor that motivate teams to achieve goals, Ex. Hour by Hour charting

· Define and implement a standardized Daily Direction Setting (DDS) process that cascades from site GM level to operator level. Coach front line leaders on their role as leaders in participating in and holding accountability to the process. Standardize visual controls, visual boards, meeting agendas and health checks, as part of DDS

· Support value added development of tiered meeting structures. Lead/facilitate regular team meetings to identify actions required to realize goals

· Create repeatable, visual Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) system to execute from leadership to floor level. Ensure PDCA is the driving mechanism to scorecard/action plan reviews and embedded as part of gap analysis to assess and track KPIs

Qualifications

• Cannabis experience preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and 5+ years managing professional Operations and Engineering efforts

• Knowledgeable in operational excellence based continuous improvement methodology

• Knowledgeable of Engineering problem solving

• Able to diagnose complex technical systems and develop simple human-machine interface and training solutions for optimal operations

• Strong Lean Manufacturing project management skills working with cross functional teams at all levels, from plant to corporate, which has contributed to building a high-performance organization.

• Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative and able to work independently or among teams with keen judgement, common sense and resourcefulness

• Adapts and thrives in a demanding, start-up, fast-paced environment

• Possesses a high level of critical thinking

• Operates with a high level of professionalism and integrity, including dealing with confidential information

• Must understand and comply with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of GTI

• Must have a solid understanding of the Medical Marijuana laws, rules and regulations set forth by the state; a pursuit to further their understanding and knowledge of the industry and the laws

Additional Requirements

• Must pass any and all required background checks

• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry

• Must possess valid driver’s license

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age

• Must be approved by the D.O.A. to receive an Agent badge

Working Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: May be required to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift, carry and balance up to 75 pounds (200 pounds with assistance)

• This role will require some travel, up to 5 days per month