Continuous Improvement Manager

Alphia•Pittsburg, CA

About The Position

JOB PURPOSE: The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for implementation and management of Lean Sigma manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout all Alphia facilities. The individual will serve as the Lean Sigma subject matter expert and will specifically be responsible for project management/facilitation. The Continuous Improvement Lead will be interacting with employees at all levels within the business. The role will report directly to the VP of Engineering and Continuous Improvement. DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Primary role will be to lead and manage a Lean Six Sigma Project Portfolio to drive business improvements while meetings corporate financial objectives. The key team member will drive the continuous improvement journey through Lean Six Sigma based process improvement initiatives. This position will deliver primarily Lean training to drive process improvements in manufacturing environments. Measuring and reporting progress on an on-going basis using a balanced scorecard will be key. This position requires a thorough understanding and demonstrated execution of the Continuous Improvement process, ability to build strong relationships with cross functional teams, and lead with limited authority. Provide oversight of the Continuous Improvement (CI) project portfolio and work with CI teams to strengthen the pipeline through strategy deployment, KPI awareness and Value Stream Mapping activities. Act as the corporate champion for CI, driving problem solving and a zero-waste cultural change. Assist the organization in driving process improvements and cost-savings projects to completion and support project teams as the Lean Six Sigma mentor and trainer. Take initiative to apply expertise to address critical business issues and focus on developing long-term solutions. Drive a culture of setting robust controls and properly hand them off to process owners. Accelerate large scale Lean cultural change to reduce waste in everything we do. Participate with cross-functional teams to make improvements to products and processes ensuring the highest quality products are delivered to the customer. Identify projects to generate projects-based strategy. Act as the lead trainer for internal Lean Six Sigma training courses for the organization. Maintain and improve upon the CI training curriculum including both Lean and Six Sigma training tools. Assist in standardizing and sharing Best-in-Class continuous improvement practices throughout the organization. Mentor and coach Black Belts, Green Belts, Lean Professionals and other members of the project teams.

Requirements

4-year technical degree in science, statistics, engineering, or quality preferred.
3-5 years related experience in a manufacturing, industrial, packaging, processing or operations environment.
3-5 years process improvement experience in manufacturing using formal Lean & Six Sigma tools.
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt through an accredited organization.
Change Agent - strong leadership and teaming capabilities with the ability to operate independently and affect change across functions.
Experience in manufacturing plants and processes.
Demonstrated proficiency in Lean Tools: 5S, JIT, VSM, SMED, Kaizen, Error Proofing, Line Balancing, Process Flow, Kanban, A3, etc.
Self-motivated and able to show leadership, team, and individual contributor accomplishments.
Passion for driving change in a complex, manufacturing environment.
Proven track record of developing, training, and coaching CI Organizations.
Ability to communicate with senior levels of the organization.
Strong verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong computer skills –Windows based programs and Minitab.
This position requires ~75% travel.

Nice To Haves

Experience in food or consumer products goods (CPG) preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage a Lean Six Sigma Project Portfolio to drive business improvements while meetings corporate financial objectives.
Drive the continuous improvement journey through Lean Six Sigma based process improvement initiatives.
Deliver primarily Lean training to drive process improvements in manufacturing environments.
Measuring and reporting progress on an on-going basis using a balanced scorecard.
Provide oversight of the Continuous Improvement (CI) project portfolio and work with CI teams to strengthen the pipeline through strategy deployment, KPI awareness and Value Stream Mapping activities.
Act as the corporate champion for CI, driving problem solving and a zero-waste cultural change.
Assist the organization in driving process improvements and cost-savings projects to completion and support project teams as the Lean Six Sigma mentor and trainer.
Take initiative to apply expertise to address critical business issues and focus on developing long-term solutions.
Drive a culture of setting robust controls and properly hand them off to process owners.
Accelerate large scale Lean cultural change to reduce waste in everything we do.
Participate with cross-functional teams to make improvements to products and processes ensuring the highest quality products are delivered to the customer.
Identify projects to generate projects-based strategy.
Act as the lead trainer for internal Lean Six Sigma training courses for the organization.
Maintain and improve upon the CI training curriculum including both Lean and Six Sigma training tools.
Assist in standardizing and sharing Best-in-Class continuous improvement practices throughout the organization.
Mentor and coach Black Belts, Green Belts, Lean Professionals and other members of the project teams.