Director, Continuous Improvement
About The Position
The Continuous Improvement Director drives continuous improvement, efficiency, and delivery productivity across a business unit, using disciplined processes and world-class measures. The role helps shape the business unit’s Continuous Improvement and Digital Factory strategy, applying best practices across manufacturing sites as Reynolds Consumer Products develops its Boundless operating system. The position supports plants in Malvern, Arkansas, Louisville, Kentucky, Bellwood, Virginia, and Wheeling, with up to 75% travel. It is based at the Lake Forest, Illinois, corporate headquarters plant, or may be located at the Malvern or Louisville locations. The director develops improvement plans, schedules, budgets, and cost-benefit evaluations; supports short- and long-term continuous improvement strategies; and creates the digital manufacturing (IoT) strategy. The role manages the business unit’s CI savings budget, advances Lean and operational excellence practices, monitors results and process performance, and advises senior leadership on organizational effectiveness, business performance, and change management. It also leads and develops team members and delivers Lean training across the organization.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- 10 or more years of related professional manufacturing experience, including Continuous Improvement and Operations.
- At least 3 years in a leadership role focused on continuous improvement or operational excellence.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate and influence at all organizational levels.
- Self-directed and able to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple accountabilities and internal customers.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, with high attention to detail.
- Project management capabilities, including organizing and managing multiple projects from origination through execution.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule during key business deadlines.
- Team-oriented, with the ability to work on highly collaborative, performance-focused teams.
- Up to 75% travel to supported plants.
Nice To Haves
- MBA or another advanced degree.
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
- Previous experience with automation and SAP.
Responsibilities
- Develop plans, schedules, and budgets for projects that improve existing processes, and ensure cost-benefit evaluations assess potential financial, business, and industry impacts.
- Support business leaders in developing intermediate- and long-term continuous improvement strategies to deliver the projected CI savings budget.
- Create the digital manufacturing (IoT) strategy and coach plant teams on implementation and sustained performance improvement.
- Advise and influence senior leadership on organizational effectiveness, performance results, and change management for business transformation.
- Manage a business-unit CI savings budget that represents achievable value for the business.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for the Boundless operating system’s core pillars, support training and plant acclimation to the new PEPS process, and help sustain results.
- Improve plant processes and systems and implement programs with continuing long-term benefits.
- Evaluate and measure program or initiative performance and progress against goals, and serve as a change agent.
- Monitor processes to maintain optimal efficiency and achieve year-over-year reductions in conversion costs.
- Direct continuous improvement activities, including Kaizen events in 5S, SMED, TPM, VSM, PDCA or equivalent, and A3 Problem Solving.
- Ensure adherence to Lean methodology, including Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Daily Management, Layered Audit Process, and business plan development to eliminate waste.
- Confer with management, engineering, and other staff about manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production improvements.
- Lead, manage, develop, coach, and evaluate team members and associates with varying experience levels.
- Develop and deliver Lean training at all organizational levels while advancing Operational Excellence standards.
Benefits
- Annual incentive eligibility of 25%, provided the business meets financial goals and the individual meets performance goals, subject to plan administration guidelines.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
