Lean Six Sigma Manager

Farm Bureau Financial Services•West Des Moines, IA

About The Position

The Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Program Manager manages the organization’s Lean Six Sigma program and coordinates instructional classes and program design. The role supports Green Belt and Black Belt projects through implementation and control, contributes to Belt training and development, and incorporates Lean Six Sigma methodology and analytics into organizational operations to advance process and quality improvement. The position leads the enterprise LSS project portfolio, including project selection, Belt development, methodology application, and program initiatives. It works with strategy leadership and departmental leaders to define program objectives, identify improvement projects, establish business metrics and standards, and monitor and report on program outcomes. The manager coordinates project schedules and business-side activities, coaches and trains participants, supports project acceptance, and manages relationships with vendors and certifying organizations to keep training materials and tools current. The LSS function plans and coordinates enterprise participant training, mentors existing participants, drives projects to completion, and trains future leaders, managers, and staff as needed. Execution and delivery of the LSS strategy is important to the enterprise’s competitiveness. The role has contact with employees at all levels and with industry leaders, outside consultants, professional organizations, and other Farm Bureau companies. Minimal travel, including overnight stays, may be required.

Requirements

College degree or equivalent, plus 10 or more years of applicable financial services or insurance-related experience.
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Strong documentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Strong knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies and related tools.
Must have or attain knowledge of Farm Bureau products, services, and strategies affecting assigned projects.
Excellent oral and written communication, planning, decision-making, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Results-oriented, with the ability to adapt to ambiguous situations and manage expectations.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Reasonably regular and predictable attendance.
Minimal travel may be required, including overnight stays.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the LSS project portfolio, including project selection, Green Belt and Black Belt training and development, application of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and program initiatives and events.
Coach, support, and train individual contributors to apply Six Sigma methodology and analytics, accomplish business objectives, and improve adoption and practice of LSS methods.
Work with the VP of Strategy, Planning, Data, and Innovation to assess and develop consistent LSS program objectives, goals, and scope, and identify projects that improve practices and processes.
Work with departmental leadership to develop guidelines, targets, and standards for business metrics and to monitor, measure, and report on LSS program deliverables and outcomes.
Maintain project development, completion, and implementation schedules in coordination with IT business relations consultants, ensuring requirements are completed, approved, and delivered on schedule.
Coordinate business-side activities needed to complete business plans affected by LSS projects.
Serve as the primary contact for Green Belt and Black Belt participants seeking clarification on project methodologies and tools.
Help individual contributors obtain acceptance of completed LSS projects from Project Champions, management, and certifying organizations.
Manage vendor and LSS certifying organization relationships to maintain current and relevant training materials and program tools.
Maintain proficiency in Lean Six Sigma program materials and toolsets.
Perform other job-related duties or special projects as assigned.
Develop and deliver training as needed.
Progress toward professional education and development, including Master Black Belt, and industry education, including CPCU and LOMA.