LOCATION: Roanoke, VA or Morrilton, AR

 

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

 

The Continuous Improvement/Quality Manager will lead the development and implementation of both short-term and long-term strategic plans to lower overall production costs using LEAN manufacturing principles in a multi-plant operation. He/she will establish, manage, and be responsible for continuous improvement metrics for each factory, and monitor/manage performance against these metrics to deliver hard (measurable) annual savings.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates as a member of the manufacturing management team, quickly identifying any areas that are underperforming and working with the local teams to resolve issues quickly.
• Lead cost savings initiatives to reduce both material and labor costs in collaboration with plant managers, materials/purchasing, and R&D.
• Develop and implement strategy to deliver significant productivity savings that lower the total plant cost of production, while also improving safety and quality.
• Use fact-based analysis to prioritize process improvement opportunities within each facility and keep management informed of progress.
• Drive Customer Quality communication and root cause problem solving within manufacturing and production
• Troubleshoots problems and implements corrective actions through root cause analysis.

• Proactively responds to non-routine and crisis situations with a sense of urgency.
• Identify and/or provide training on lean manufacturing techniques as needed.
• Plans, organizes and facilitates departmental Kaizens within each factory.
• Participates in the capital planning process, including the development of the business case justifications for new capital expenditures. Manages large key capital projects as required.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations/Business Management, or other related field is required. Experience may be substituted in lieu of degree for exceptionally qualified candidates with extensive backgrounds in a continuous improvement role.
• 5+ years of manufacturing operations management experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a Continuous Improvement environment using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and related process improvement methodologies.
• 3+ years of experience leading, guiding, and mentoring teams and individuals along with practical experience in understanding group dynamics and team development.
• 3+ years in facilitating cross-functional teams; overseeing root-cause analysis, data collection, and problem solving.
• Working knowledge of production equipment and systems including maintenance activities (metal fabrication experience a strong plus).
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Self-motivated and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to manage and prioritize one’s own time consistent with the needs of the business.
• Excellent communication skills including oral, written and listening.
• Excellent presentation skills and the ability to tailor communications to audiences at all levels of the organization from the shop floor to the executive team.
• Ability to interpret a variety of technical information in mathematical and/or narrative form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to travel between facilities as required (25-50%).