Continuous Improvement Consultant I (HYBRID)

Unum•Portland, ME

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is the first step in a two-level career path in the Continuous Improvement Office. This position is responsible for supporting the Operational Readiness Center, driving change management for our Absence Operations partners. This individual will work closely with business partners to identify the best approach for change enablement within operations based on the needs of that particular business area, including but not limited to: providing input on best practices, coordinating large amounts of change in a way, driving and monitoring adoption of newly implemented tech or process enhancements, gathering feedback and coming up with ideas on how we can better serve our business partners. This work includes executing continuous improvement methodologies, identifying and selecting high potential ideas, and implementing appropriate tracking mechanisms for projects In addition to supporting the existing Operational Readiness program, the individual will be accountable for providing support to the CI Operational Readiness Center team on process assessments to identify those with the greatest opportunity for improvement in terms of efficiency, quality, and/or customer service. Individual should be able to identify opportunities and lead small scope projects utilizing continuous improvement methodologies.

Requirements

2-5 years of continuous improvement experience with knowledge of multiple methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TQM, Kaizen, process re-engineering is a plus)
Bachelors degree and/or equivalent business experience
Position requires extensive independent interaction with business area management and subject matter experts
Experience managing continuous improvement related projects
Demonstrated statistical analysis skills and abilities
Advanced PC skill required (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)
Strong ability to work effectively in a dynamic, rapidly changing business and technical environment
Proficient at handling multiple priorities, conflict resolution, delegating, team building
Strong collaboration skills and the ability to influence various business partners and business leaders to create the optimal Great Ideas program for their specific area
Strong interpersonal skills with focus on building positive relationships with business partners
Excellent advisory skills; ability to deal with/think through ambiguity, complex issues, competing priorities and make thoughtful recommendations
Highly effective oral/written communication, facilitation and presentation skills
Excellent negotiation and influencing skills
Strong training and mentoring skills
Minimal travel required

Responsibilities

Play a leadership role with business partners to identify the best approach based on each individual business area needs.
Individual will lead small scope projects utilizing continuous improvement methodologies. These initiatives have an impact on market share, top line growth and bottom line results.
Partner with Continuous Improvement Consultant II and Director, Operational Effectiveness in conducting process assessments and identifying areas of opportunity.
Lead by example as an active change agent by leverage influencing skills that come from prior Continuous Improvement experience.
Establishes strong, effective and collaborative partnerships with key business area leaders and subject matter experts.
Consolidates and develops effective presentations to communicate information to all levels of the organization.
Support the business area by evidencing a solid understanding of the strategic direction and goals.
Will focus on ideas that constantly strive to eliminate waste, improve customer satisfaction, and increase market share via the use of but not limited to Lean Six Sigma tools and other continuous improvement methodologies.
Quantifies and develops appropriate cost benefit measures for new or redesigned value-added processes.
Collect and analyze reported results from business areas on a quarterly basis.
Partnership and collaboration with existing Operational Readiness Team to ensure all change and initiatives within the team are delivered in a way that audiences understand and will sustain change.
Partnership with CI resources at Colonial, Unum UK, and Corporate to share best practices and ensure cross organizational awareness of Operational Readiness program specifics.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Award-winning culture
Inclusion and diversity as a priority
Performance Based Incentive Plans
Competitive benefits package that includes: Health, Vision, Dental, Short & Long-Term Disability
Generous PTO (including paid time to volunteer!)
Up to 9.5% 401(k) employer contribution
Mental health support
Career advancement opportunities
Student loan repayment options
Tuition reimbursement
Flexible work environments