Continuous Improvement Specialist

The Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for coaching, planning, and executing with team members the strategic initiatives for Watts Vernon, a facility within the Global Electronics platform. The CI Specialist will participate on multiple projects and apply continuous improvement techniques leveraging Lean methodologies based on Toyota Production System to solve problems using Root Cause Problem Solving process. This position is a change agent who challenges organizational leaders to drive continuous improvements, remove organizational barriers to continuous improvement processes, and support the Watts Vernon continuous improvement charter.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Lead cross-functional projects designed to analyze and design sequence of operations and workflows to improve flow
• Complete Value Stream Mapping Events to create plans to improve cost, reduce cycle time and capital investment by improving product velocity
• Work with Other stakeholders to identify improvement opportunities to drive high quality and efficient processes
• Responsible for driving productivity to meet overall site productivity targets and objectives
• Lead or facilitate problem solving teams and supporting groups to identify root cause and implement sustainable solutions
• Facilitate Kaizen events to drive continuous improvements in operations and office areas
• Share best practices with other site Continuous Improvement Specialist and develop coordinated plans
• Coach site leaders and team members to become independent continuous improvement champions
• Support and drive Quick Kaizen’s with unique submissions including hourly workforce

*Other duties as required

Employee core competencies:

We are committed to attracting and managing the best talent globally.  We seek to attract and promote employees who demonstrate an ability and willingness to:

1.   Collaborate Across Workgroups

2.   Communicate Effectively
3.   Initiate Positive Change
4.   Drive for Results
5.   Deliver High Quality Work
6.   Provide Technical Expertise

EDUCATION

• BS/BA Degree or equivalent experience.

MANAGEMENT:

• No direct reports

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Participated in continuous improvement/Lean/Six Sigma efforts driving efficiency, effectiveness, and measurable financial results.
• 1-3 years of lean transformation experience showing progressive responsibility.
• Hands-on and demonstrated experience with continuous improvement programs including deployment of Lean and Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
• Demonstrated successful project management experience and acumen.
• Self-starting and comfortable collaborating with diverse work teams.
• Excellent communication skills including written, technical and non-technical; oral and facilitating effective meetings including power point slide presentations and briefings (managing up and cross banding) 
• Attention to detail; strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task under pressure and in deadline environments.
• Strong Project Management skills and results oriented achieving deliverables on time and meeting goals.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to effectively lead teams; maintain collegial working relationships with colleagues, managers, customers and team members
• Strong computer skills with a variety of operational software systems (I.e. MS Suite, Excel, Visio, etc.)

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Up to 20% of the time

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 or Work in a manufacturing environment
• May occasionally be required to perform job duties outside the typical office setting