Director, Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Reports to: VP, Supply Chain and Continuous Improvement
The Director of Manufacturing Continuous Improvement is responsible for the leadership of the company's manufacturing continuous improvement (CI) processes and governance. The successful candidate will possess experience in leading Lean and Six Sigma initiatives in a continuous process manufacturing environment, an intuitive understanding of organizational change management, and a vision of how people, tools, and process come together to eliminate waste and drive value creation. The role oversees 5 direct reports who are embedded Six Sigma Black Belts in our manufacturing plants. The position can be based out of either our Decatur IL or Lafayette IN locations. Monthly travel to our manufacturing locations is a role expectation.
Key Responsibilities - Support the deployment of the company's Continuous Improvement operating system - Primient Operating Model (POM)
- Ensure that the POM, Six Sigma and CI activities align to create executable value creation initiatives.
- Provide leadership, training, and oversight to the company's Six Sigma practitioners and the 6 Sigma project portfolio.
- Provide leadership to the Asset Care Excellence and OEE program.
- Measure and communicate CI metrics to the organization and senior leadership.
Competencies, Skills and Traits The ideal candidate demonstrates the following traits:
- Passion for the transformative potential of continuous improvement
- Strong financial acumen and the ability to justify, baseline and report projects
- Challenges the status quo
The ideal candidate has the following competencies and skills:
Soft Skills:
- Communication skills, including verbal, written and presentation
- Analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
- Ability to inspire and coach team members
Hard Skills:
- Proficiency/knowledge in statistical, simulation, and analytical methods and software (PowerBI, Tableau, Minitab)
- Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience in continuous process manufacturing
- Experience in managing project portfolios
Experience This role requires a minimum of 7 years' experience in Lean, Six Sigma or continuous improvement roles in a continuous process manufacturing environment and 3+ years supervisory/managerial experience. MBB experience is required.
Education This role requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, STEM, supply chain, business administration, finance, or a related field.