Manager, Continuous Improvement

Location: Stuttgart, GERMANY

Job # 35131

Date Posted: 11/11/08

JOB FUNCTION / PURPOSE

The RTK - Manager of Continuous Improvement is responsible for the planning, and execution of factory improvement projects to fulfill the strategic objectives of the continuous improvement program office and business strategy of the local business.

This leader will support the Group Director of Continuous Improvement by leading the Business Unit’s continuous improvement through the planning and implementation of Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. Partners with group business and operations leadership to ensure the transformation to a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Delivers practical, hands-on training to associates on Lean manufacturing methodology and tools to eliminate waste in all administrative, manufacturing and support functions. Measures and reports progress for group level activities on an on-going basis. Assures standardization of Lean methodologies and drives keeping lean definitions, tools, certification and benchmarking efforts up to date for the group team of lean practitioners.

Works very closely in tandem with GM of RTK in providing support to ensure Operational Excellence principals are implemented. This may include working hand-in-hand with business units’ leadership in areas of safety, quality and business strategies.

REPORTING STRUCTURE AND KEY RELATIONSHIPS

The Continuous Improvement Manager interfaces with various internal business partners to ensure the planning, training, execution and measurement of continuous improvement efforts for the RTK Business of CIRCOR

· Reports To: General Manager, RTK

· InDirect Reports: Kaizen Leaders

· Key Internal Partners: Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Operations Leadership, Manufacturing Leadership, Material Planning, Operations & Supply Chain Management Leadership.

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

· Ensures the development of a robust Lean Future State Strategy to be implemented at RTK in support of the overall CI strategy for the Flow Technologies Group. Provides oversight and guidance for all Continuous Improvement initiatives within the business unit. Champions all aspects of the Company’s Operational Excellence Strategy in partnership with business leaders and key operations leadership. May participate in the CIRCOR operations excellence team with the CIRCOR International Continuous Improvement Vice President and peers from other business units

· Works with RTK on Lean implementations. Ensures progression of the Lean Journey and adherence to standards at all levels, while training the Business Unit KPOs, and others.

· Ensures that the organization is structured and has the talent, resources and organizational capability (readiness) for lean transformation; Gives feedback to leadership and HR on talent needs and organizational capability (people & process) needed to achieve higher and higher levels of continuous improvement.

· Ensures the Site, Value Stream and Team Improvement boards meet standards, enabling a PDCA culture. Supports Plant Continuous Improvement Leaders through required and special team meetings. Provides high level of technical and operational recommendations in meeting productivity, material control, product quality, on-time delivery and customer service goals.

· Develops Plant Continuous Improvement Leaders with an emphasis on championing the Group and Corporation goals, objectives and implementation plans relative to the Lean implementation plan, Strategy Deployment, and Future State Site Plans.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

· Ensures on-going education of all employees at the Business unit in Lean. Promotes a Continuous Learning environment through development and delivery of all intellectual property.

· Communicates the status of all Lean efforts to the Leadership Team. Provides documentation of results and benefits achieved.

· Shares “best practice” methods and ideas with all Continuous Improvement Leaders.

· Analyzes, interprets and recommends the use of Lean methodologies for improved profitability and continued growth, including product line repositioning and structural changes, as appropriate.

· Provides input on Lean readiness of potential alliances, acquisitions, and/or mergers. Evaluates the Lean status / potential of the acquisition, and contributes to the planning and implementation of a lean deployment plan before and during integration.

· Works with business unit management to establish the budgetary requirements of the Continuous Improvement function and Lean investment. Prepares budgets, performs analysis, and recommends how to maximize return on investments.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND COMPETENCIES

Education: Undergraduate degree in Supply Chain, Engineering or other technology or science related areas preferred. Advanced technical degree andMBA highly preferred. Certified lean and Six Sigma required, with demonstrated project success.

Experience: 5-8 years of progressive materials, manufacturing and operations team management experience. Must have successfully led multiple Kaizen events, typically five-day events, within a manufacturing environment. Has participated in numerous other Kaizen events preferably in both the manufacturing and office areas. Good understanding of financial measurements and goals in the Lean/Flow throughput world.

Core Competencies:

· High ethical standards. Models and supports organization’s goals and values; adapts to changing conditions; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles.

· Demonstrated understanding of Lean principles and improvement strategies such as Value Stream Mapping, Just-In-Time, Demand Flow, Single Piece Flow, Five S’s, Visual Management, Total Productive Maintenance, Continuous Improvement Process, Kaizen, SPC, Six Sigma and Communication Tools, and Statistical Problem Solving.

· Excellent communication skills to lead and support empowered employees in a team environment. Requires the ability to organize and direct functions under his/her direct control, as well as within a matrix reporting structure.

· Strong project and budget management skills to guide and implement business unit plans and monitor performance to plan. Ability to prioritize, balance, and manage multiple efforts with strong results/goal orientation. Agility and personal adaptability with the ability to successfully management multiple priorities with a high sense of urgency in a rapidly changing environment.

· Solid analytical skills and solution-driven thinking. Able to use large amounts of data to make strategic decisions. Passion for data, analysis, trends, reporting and technology. Ability to read and interpret documents. Ability to write clearly and informatively routine reports, correspondence, and designs work flows and procedures. Presents numerical data effectively.

· Demonstrated lean manufacturing and improvement strategy development and implementation. Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work.

· Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; develops alternative solutions; works well in a group problem solving situations; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention; displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions includes appropriate people in decision-making process.

· Ability to communicate effectively across mediums, audiences, and situations. Builds bridges and connections. Is easy to approach and talk to; is a good listener; relates well to all people throughout the organization. Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; keeps confidences; admits mistakes. Follows through on commitments. Honest and candid.

· Demonstrated factory lean transformation capability - A success pattern that demonstrates steadily expanding scope and depth of responsibility and continuously improved personal, team and organizational outcomes.

· Broad tactical & strategic “bandwidth”, i.e., the ability to successfully manage multiple and/or rapidly changing priorities. Learns quickly when facing new problems; a relentless and versatile learner; open to change; strives for continuous improvement of self and processes.

· The ability to build and sustain high-performance teams through internal and external recruitment, retention and development of superior talent. Enjoys working hard; is action oriented and full of energy; enjoys challenges; drives for results. Versatility, flexibility and a wiliness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

· The ability to lead by example and effectively coaches and mentors while demanding, and receiving, exceptional commitment and outstanding results.

· Expert knowledge of JDE / MRP, Access, Word, Excel, Power Point, Visio, Project, and other applicable tools.

Apply Now

Send to Friend

Recent Views:

Manager, Continuous Improvement