Director, Continuous Improvement

STERIS Corporation•Mentor, OH

2d•$144,500 - $187,000•Remote

About The Position

Assist with developing Corporate Improvement strategies and carry out transformation and strategy deployment within the business area. Develop a lean strategy for the business based on Corporate Continuous Improvement strategies. Influence and coach senior management and their teams on business transformation, cultural change, engagement, Lean tool adoption, and empowerment, with a focus on results. Drive results using common metrics and data across the organization, including in ambiguous environments. Provide coaching and training, and lead management workshops on continuous improvement principles, cultural transformation, and leadership mindset. The role requires demonstrated ability to coach VP- and SVP-level executive management on transformation. Domestic and international travel is 50–75%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain and Logistics, or another technical field.
At least 15 years of demonstrated qualified improvement experience in a leadership role.
At least one successful enterprise transformation and experience deploying a Lean culture in an organization.
At least 8 years of experience leading and managing a Continuous Improvement team.
Demonstrated impact producing clear bottom-line performance results and step-function change, with the ability to produce $3 million in cost savings.
Strong analytical skills and understanding of problem-solving techniques; ability to analyze business needs, determine appropriate solutions or opportunities, and deploy them.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence, communicate, motivate, instill confidence, and persuade in difficult or complex situations.
Demonstrated impact using improvement tools and methods, such as Toyota Production System, A3 development and management, process flow mapping, 5S/Visual Factory, TPM, QCO-SMED, Standard Work, process problem solving, Built In Quality, Just In Time, Kaizen/Continuous Improvement, Chaku-chaku lines, karikuri devices, DMAIC, Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, and statistical data analysis.
Lean certification from a recognized independent technical organization.
Experience leading improvement in large functional areas such as Field Service, R&D, Plant Operations, or Administrative Operations.
Experience delivering training, coaching, and development to all levels, from executives to hourly employees.
Superior demonstrated leadership, team-building, communication, presentation, interpersonal, and coaching skills.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to lead and develop team members.

Nice To Haves

Experience with TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), JIPM (Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance), Shingijutsu, or mentoring by a recognized competent Continuous Improvement consultancy.
Experience in Supply Chain disciplines, including Logistics, and experience with Distribution and Warehousing practices.

Responsibilities

Organize senior management CI/Lean steering committees and activities to set the direction for business transformation and guide execution; support local steering committees and help ensure they operate effectively.
Collaborate with business leaders to facilitate and lead cultural and strategic changes across functional and departmental boundaries within the designated business area.
Advise and counsel leadership on strategic direction, prioritizing continuous improvement opportunities, and aligning initiatives with business strategy.
Develop and implement a team-based learning environment and the structure needed to sustain improvements.
Create and implement transformation plans based on Corporate Continuous Improvement and local business strategies, and directly manage CI initiatives and programs.
Drive CI implementation to achieve cost, cycle-time, and quality improvements through Lean tools, benchmarking, KPI and scorecard development, and monitoring across functions.
Develop and lead teams in structured technical problem-solving methods, including DMAIC, Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, and statistical data analysis, to confirm root causes in alignment with strategic needs.
Assess teams, provide coaching and constructive feedback, and strengthen competencies across the enterprise.
Implement methods for identifying CI opportunities using key metrics, analysis, accountability, and standardization.
Provide subject-matter expertise and consultation on transformation best practices, significant projects, and special CI initiatives.
Drive corrective and preventive actions to address root causes, prevent recurrence, reduce variation, and improve quality and other key KPIs.
Prepare budgets, schedules, and other financial reports for successful strategy deployment.
Hire, train, develop, coach, and guide or supervise team members when there are direct reports.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through benchmarking world-class organizations and undertaking CI- and business-transformation-related training.
Drive and coach the use of project management principles, including setting and tracking timelines, identifying and mitigating risks, and communicating across teams at all levels.
Perform other assigned duties.