Continuous Improvement Kaizen Specialist I

Watts Water Technologies•Menomonee Falls, WI

75d•Onsite

About The Position

We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water. We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource. What we do: For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead. This energetic, and lean-thinking individual will be responsible for supporting lean transformation, employee engagement, and problem solving to promote a “creativity before capital” mindset. The CI Kaizen Specialist I will partner with site leadership, and the CI team, to work through rapid experiments while supporting site transformation through LEAN processes. This position reports to the Continuous Improvement Leader. This role is onsite and is based in Menomonee Falls, WI This energetic, and lean-thinking individual will be responsible for supporting lean transformation, employee engagement, and problem solving to promote a “creativity before capital” mindset. The CI Kaizen Specialist I will partner with site leadership, and the CI team, to work through rapid experiments while supporting site transformation through LEAN processes. This position reports to the Continuous Improvement Leader. This role is onsite and is based in Menomonee Falls, WI

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required
1+ plus years of experience in manufacturing.
Must currently have yellow belt or earn yellow belt within 12 months of accepting the role.
Able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with minimal supervision and be willing to attend training as needed.
Ability to work in team-oriented environment to accomplish large projects as well as self-management skills when working on smaller tasks and able to execute a daily and weekly action plan.
Ability to work with cross function teams to provide solutions quickly and efficiently to manufacturing and material handling related issues.
Ability to communicate professionally and collaboratively with internal customers regarding status of requests.
Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.
Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks and pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.
Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
Punctuality and dependability.
Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
Adherence to Watts’ seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Responsibilities

Gather data and manage preparatory work necessary to execute Kaizen activity
Facilitate Kaizens
Work with CI Technicians to apply high levels of technical creativity to construct machines, equipment, and tools that support employees to gain competitive advantage.
Apply the 3P process of "try storming" simulation to prove concepts, followed up with quickly assembling solutions that benefit the overall goals
Train employees across campus on continuous improvement tasks and processes including Kaizen prep work and Kaizen execution.
Perform as a key role in the New Product Development Process Maintain primary work area in accordance to 5S standards.
Improve, implement, and sustain 5S, Standard Work, Flow, Visual Management, TPM, Error Proofing
Work with Kaizen road map and productivity funnel and hopper to prioritize projects and manage customer expectations.
Prepare report-outs for Kaizen and other activities to senior leadership
Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned
Responsibility directly tied to Watts Value (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency)