Continuous Improvement Associate- Fordsville, KY

Kimball International•Fordsville, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an hourly associate position focused on leading and participating in Continuous Improvement (CI) events and activities within a manufacturing facility. The role involves identifying CI opportunities, supporting the implementation of process improvements, and verifying their effectiveness. The position also requires supporting safety, environmental, and quality initiatives, maintaining effective communication, and identifying cost reduction opportunities. The associate will model the Company's Vision and Guiding Principles and support the Environmental Management System (EMS).

Requirements

Previous manufacturing experience required.
Successful completion of Lean Internship Program will be required upon hire.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment focusing on Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, including leading or facilitating CI projects and Kaizen events.
Enhanced troubleshooting and administrative skills.
Experience leading or facilitating Continuous Improvement initiatives and Kaizen events is required.
Resume required.

Nice To Haves

Ability to provide balanced feedback.
Ability to maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor.
Ability to remain patient and manage emotions effectively.
Self-motivated and results-oriented.
Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
Strong decision-making skills.
Willingness to learn and continuously improve.
Tactful, assertive, honest, and ethical.
Flexible and adaptable.
Ability to build and sustain relationships.
Ability to achieve results through collaboration with others.
Strong computer skills.
Strong follow-up and organizational skills.
Strong problem-solving abilities.
Good understanding of production processes.
Good understanding of Lean Manufacturing concepts.
Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
Experience participating in Continuous Improvement efforts within a team environment.
Understanding of statistical techniques.
Ability to safely operate and maneuver required tools and equipment during projects.
Strong listening skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent presentation skills.
Ability to communicate both technical and non-technical information.
Ability to teach and train others.
Ability to tailor communication to the audience.
Self-directed and highly motivated.
Leads by example.
Ability to coach and motivate team members.
Strong facilitation skills.
Effective relationship builder.
Ability to facilitate win-win solutions.
Ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Takes initiative and drives results.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Strong organizational skills.
Effective coaching and team-building skills.
Ability to adapt to and manage change.
Strong time management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities.
Strong planning and organizational abilities.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Results-focused mindset.
Strong recordkeeping and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

Lead and/or participate in Continuous Improvement (CI) events throughout the facility to improve processes.
Support the implementation of process improvement activities throughout the facility.
Identify potential Continuous Improvement opportunities and events.
Verify the effectiveness of implemented process improvements.
Participate in the Lean Internship Program.
Support safety and environmental initiatives to better serve our employees and community.
Maintain effective communication between employees, management, support staff, other KI divisions, and customers as needed.
Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities.
Support and model the Company's Vision and Guiding Principles.
Support the Environmental Management System (EMS).
Follow all safety guidelines and use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Follow and support Quality Systems.
Lead/facilitate the implementation and sustainment of Lean tools (Visual Management, 6S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, plan-do-check-act, Lean processes, etc.).
Develop and implement improvement strategies and initiatives.
Coordinate strategic and detailed plans.
Planning of events with a dynamic funnel process tied to Policy Deployment/Model Value Stream and Daily Management.
Event execution and sustainment of Kaizen event results.