| Department: | Production |
| Reports To: | Corporate Quality Director |
| Prepared Date: | 05/28/2024 |
| Approved By: | President/CEO |
| Location: | Larsen HQ in Mundelein, IL Travel to other Larsen plants. |
Summary
The Corporate Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager works with management teams across all functional areas and business units to reduce waste, reduce process variation, and improve processes. Leads and successfully delivers project results, including but not limited to quality improvements, safety improvements, cost reductions, cycle time reductions, efficiency improvements, etc.
An exceptional Continuous Improvement leader will understand the latest quality management methodologies and embody top leadership principles and styles in their management duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Serves as the thought leader in the CI culture change, driving the transition and complete adaptation across the organization and at each site.
- Utilizes the tools of Lean, Six Sigma, and other Continuous Improvement methods to create a CI culture at each manufacturing facility and within all supply chains.
- Develop capability for implementing continuous improvement strategies to achieve the overarching global business strategy.
- Drive improvement initiatives that result in better material flow, reduced rework, waste elimination, scrap reduction, and improved metrics to meet each business unit’s goals and objectives.
- Analyze and identify process improvement opportunities and partner with key stakeholders to scope and ensure alignment with strategic priorities. Identify trends and process variation as part of establishing a continuous improvement monitoring system.
- Provide leadership vision for implementation of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 6S, Kaizen, etc.
- Coach, collaborate with, and develop Continuous Improvement resources on Continuous Improvement methods and processes to establish a culture where tools and methods are utilized in a standard way to deliver improvements.
- Maintain positive work relationships with members of other teams to communicate effectively and ensure quality, environmental, and safety compliance is achieved across all business units.
- Translate and document performance improvements to financial values that align with corporate goals.
- Design and implement best-in-class improvement processes across all operations and business units.
- Collaborate with or provide support for business unit leaders to advance operational excellence initiatives.
- Understand operational financial measures and how they are generated.
- Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Adhere to Larsen’s Quality principles and participate in departmental and company-wide Quality activities.
- Uphold Quality certification body standards such as ISO 9000, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, etc.
- Support and implement continuous improvements for the Integrated Quality Management System (IMS) through audits conducted by the Registrar, Customer, Vendor, Internal Process, and Product.
- Advocate Customer Specific Requirements.
Required Knowledge
- Minimum accredited Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Black Belt, or Master Black Belt.
- Minimum of 5 years of proven continuous improvement analytical experience in a similar role, including project management and business analysis.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Ability to motivate others to take actions dictated by data.
- Ability to lead teams in the achievement of continuous improvement initiatives.
- Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Leadership and mentoring skills.
- High confidence in leading organizational change.
- Experience in the Metal Stamping, Fabrication, and Machining industries is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.
- Lean Manufacturing.
- M.S. in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering.
