Continuous Improvement Manager

Nidec • Mankato, MN

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Nidec is the world's No.1 comprehensive motor manufacturer handling "everything that spins and moves", miniature to gigantic. Nidec is a global enterprise comprised of over 300 subsidiaries/affiliates. We are a leading manufacturer of commercial motors, industrial motors, appliance motors, and controls. Our product line features a full line of high efficiency motors for industrial applications in water treatment, mining, oil and gas, and power generation, and for commercial applications such as pool and spa, condensers, cooling towers and large refrigeration units. From keeping us comfortable in our homes to pumping clean water to making our cars more safe, electric motors are an indispensable part of our daily lives. At Nidec, our employees are on the forefront of developing new motor technologies. As we move deeper into the age of robotics, the impact of motors will only increase. With over 140,000 employees stationed worldwide, Nidec continues to be a unique organization, and each location maintains its individual personality. Whether driving locomotives, powering offshore platforms or keeping the lights on after a storm, Nidec electric power generation products impact the world on a daily basis. With over 1,000 employees in the Americas, we are moving forward with technology to solve our customers’ electrical power needs for both prime and backup generation needs as the industry’s leading manufacturer.

Requirements

• Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of the lean tools used to see waste and drive improvement
• Demonstrated results using Lean tools and techniques
• Systematic thinking and structured problem-solving capability
• Demonstrated teamwork spirit and willingness to help people succeed
• Able to get results through influence and not direct reporting
• Ability to transition and manage multiple projects
• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner in both verbal and written communications
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to learn, follow and coach proper procedure
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively, trace issues to root cause and document findings
• Demonstrated ability to be solution oriented when faced with challenges or setbacks
• Must be self-motivated, have a sense of urgency and take personal responsibility to drive improvements
• Must be comfortable with rapid change, able to recognize others’ resistance to change, and lead individuals and teams through the change process
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree Manufacturing Engineering or related discipline, or comparable combination of education and experience
• Training or equivalent experience related to continuous improvement and Lean methodology

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute process improvement plans aligned with manufacturing and business strategies
• Lead and drive continuous improvement activities/initiatives driving cost objectives
• Drive significant improvements in process efficiency, quality and cost performance
• Promote disciplined use of data, metrics, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Develop and implement lean transformation for the site including DMS, Obeya, 3Q6S, lean maturity assessment
• Provide monthly status updates of continuous improvement activities to make changes and results visible
• Coach and mentor others on Lean philosophy
• Build strong working relationships by engaging team members at all levels of the organization, creating feedback loops to share information and results, and empowering people to initiate Lean concepts
• Work as needed on high priority, customer-driven initiatives to improve site performance and capability
• Manage and develop continuous improvement staff through coaching, performance planning, skill development to meet current and future needs of the organization

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary with additional bonus opportunities.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision and disability coverage, effective from your first day.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a best-in-class company match of 100% on the employee’s first 6% with an additional 3% employer contribution to support your financial future.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous time off package, including PTO and holidays.
• Education Assistance: Tuition reimbursement and continuous learning opportunities to support your professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager