Associate Consultant, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing

Integrated Project Management Company•Chicago, IL

1d•$95,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Within Operational Excellence, IPM partners with clients across a variety of manufacturing industries. At each new engagement, you’ll leverage the continual exposure and experiences from working in a variety of clients and project types. You’ll collaborate with highly talented IPM colleagues who will share their skills and experiences with you. You’ll need to solve complex problems, as our clients don’t come to us when their business is running smoothly and their challenges are simple. Our clients’ issues include: Manufacturing Improvements – (enterprise & local transformations, cost reductions, OEE improvements, targeted assessments such as capacity analysis or operational diligence) Supply Chain Optimization – (planning and production scheduling, sales, inventory & operations management (SIOP), network redesign, service level (OTIF) improvements) Capital Expansion – capacity or technology improvements (vertical start-Up, operational readiness, consolidation, relocation) In these areas it is important that you can demonstrate the ability to identify and test hypotheses, contribute ideas and insights, as well as deliver immediate and tangible improvements in business performance. Our consultants have a reputation for partnering with our clients and their teams to deliver real changes, as well as lasting benefits while exceeding expectations.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline, with a preference for industrial engineering, operations management, supply chain management or analytics
3-6 years of professional experience, with at least 3 years working on the production floor as well as at least 2 of those years with a proven track record of delivering successful projects in manufacturing
Be well versed in operational excellence methodologies, be passionate about clients, and dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and APICS certifications are a plus)
Have demonstrated flexibility and the willingness to tailor your approach specifically based on IPM’s methodologies and clients’ needs
Be comfortable functioning as either an individual consultant or in a team-based role on a broader engagement, with a focus on delivery and implementation.
Have the ability to lead multiple activities and resources while maintaining a focus on quality (Project Management certification is a plus)
Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills to effectively communicate and build relationships with a broad spectrum of audiences at all organizational levels. Translating technical concepts into broadly understood terms is an essential skill.

Nice To Haves

Lean Manufacturing
Six Sigma
APICS certifications
Project Management certification

Responsibilities

Development, management, and leadership of improvement strategies and initiatives
Performance of assessments utilizing analytical skills to identify root causes of problems and associated financial opportunities that lead to implementation roadmaps
Collection and analysis of data as well as the gathering and documentation of client requirements (product workflows, OEE waterfalls), collaborating with the client team to define solutions
Management of projects within established scope, schedule, and budget while meeting and exceeding IPM project management standards
Establishment and leadership of high-performance project teams, serving as the project advocate within the client organization. Lead, coordinate, facilitate, and motivate all associated project resources to gain alignment on project goals and deliverables
Creation and presentation of both executive-level and detailed updates throughout an engagement and within a final project readout deck
Development and documentation of high-level strategies for achieving specific objectives or activities (hierarchical strategy, process flow, Final Project Summary, etc.).
Applying consultative skills to identify and prioritize opportunities based on best practices to address client-specific needs, leveraging IPM’s professional assessment
Daily project leadership with production, quality, maintenance, safety, supply chain, sanitation, and other key stakeholders.
Professional communication with a broad spectrum of audiences from line operators to senior level executives.