Job Description:

JOB PURPOSE:

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for implementation and management of Lean Sigma manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout all Alphia facilities. The individual will serve as the Lean Sigma subject matter expert and will specifically be responsible for project management/facilitation. The Continuous Improvement Lead will be interacting with employees at all levels within the business. The role will report directly to the VP of Engineering and Continuous Improvement.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Primary role will be to lead and manage a Lean Six Sigma Project Portfolio to drive business improvements while meetings corporate financial objectives.

• The key team member will drive the continuous improvement journey through Lean Six Sigma based process improvement initiatives.

• This position will deliver primarily Lean training to drive process improvements in manufacturing environments.

• Measuring and reporting progress on an on-going basis using a balanced scorecard will be key.

• This position requires a thorough understanding and demonstrated execution of the Continuous Improvement process, ability to build strong relationships with cross functional teams, and lead with limited authority.

• Provide oversight of the Continuous Improvement (CI) project portfolio and work with CI teams to strengthen the pipeline through strategy deployment, KPI awareness and Value Stream Mapping activities. 

• Act as the corporate champion for CI, driving problem solving and a zero-waste cultural change.

• Assist the organization in driving process improvements and cost-savings projects to completion and support project teams as the Lean Six Sigma mentor and trainer.

• Take initiative to apply expertise to address critical business issues and focus on developing long-term solutions.

• Drive a culture of setting robust controls and properly hand them off to process owners.

• Accelerate large scale Lean cultural change to reduce waste in everything we do.

• Participate with cross-functional teams to make improvements to products and processes ensuring the highest quality products are delivered to the customer.

• Identify projects to generate projects-based strategy.

• Act as the lead trainer for internal Lean Six Sigma training courses for the organization.

• Maintain and improve upon the CI training curriculum including both Lean and Six Sigma training tools.

• Assist in standardizing and sharing Best-in-Class continuous improvement practices throughout the organization.

• Mentor and coach Black Belts, Green Belts, Lean Professionals and other members of the project teams.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required).

• 4-year technical degree in science, statistics, engineering, or quality preferred.

• 3-5 years related experience in a manufacturing, industrial, packaging, processing or operations environment. Experience in food or consumer products goods (CPG) preferred.

• 3-5 years process improvement experience in manufacturing using formal Lean & Six Sigma tools.

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt through an accredited organization.

• Change Agent - strong leadership and teaming capabilities with the ability to operate independently and affect change across functions.

• Experience in manufacturing plants and processes.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Lean Tools: 5S, JIT, VSM, SMED, Kaizen, Error Proofing, Line Balancing, Process Flow, Kanban, A3, etc.

• Self-motivated and able to show leadership, team, and individual contributor accomplishments.

• Passion for driving change in a complex, manufacturing environment.

• Proven track record of developing, training, and coaching CI Organizations.

• Ability to communicate with senior levels of the organization.

• Strong verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong computer skills –Windows based programs and Minitab.

• This position requires ~75% travel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.  The phrases “occasionally,” “regularly,” and “frequently” correspond to the following definitions: “occasionally” means up to 25% of working time, “regularly” means between 26 and 75% of working time, and “frequently” means 76% and more of working time.)

• The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel, to manipulate keys on a keyboard and view data on a computer screen.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, climb stairs, walk, and reach with arms and hands. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.  Some travel and overnight stays required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).

• Occasional extended work hours may be required.  Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic, plant background noise).  The job is performed under a generally hazard free environment.

• Position may also be eligible as “work from home” and must be able to sustain a highspeed stable internet connection. Home office must be secured from unauthorized visitors.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

Alphia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.