Operational Development Sr. Specialist

FIC America Corp. • Carol Stream, IL

6d • $95,000 - $115,000 • Onsite

About The Position

FIC America Corp. is a global Tier 1 automotive components manufacturer centrally located in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. We are actively seeking an Operational Development Sr. Specialist. Will be responsible for leading Toyota Production System (TPS) practices and organizational development activities across assigned production areas. This position oversees TPS audits, standard work verification, time studies, Kaizen activities, training support, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and team member engagement. The role provides direction, follow-up, and cross-functional coordination with production, quality, engineering, HR, and management teams to ensure improvement activities are implemented, sustained, and aligned with company objectives.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of Toyota Production System (TPS) principles, standardized work, Kaizen, 5S, visual management, problem solving, and waste reduction.
• Ability to lead audits, analyze process data, identify abnormalities, and drive corrective actions through follow-up and accountability.
• Ability to lead meetings, assign follow-up actions, manage competing priorities, and communicate expectations clearly across departments and position levels.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coach team members, support supervisors, provide professional feedback, and present findings to management.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional activities and influence others to complete improvement actions on time.
• Ability to use data, direct observation, standard work requirements, and TPS audit results to make recommendations and support fact-based decision-making.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation, reports, audit records, improvement tracking, and countermeasure status.
• Proficiency with computer applications used for reporting, data tracking, presentations, and TPS-related documentation.
• Good organizational, problem-solving, leadership, coaching, and decision-making skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Bachelor's Degree required
• Experience working in an automotive industry is required
• Experience with TPS practices is required
• Prior experience in TPS, continuous improvement, industrial engineering, quality, manufacturing operations, or related process improvement activities are required
• Prior project coordination experience in a manufacturing or production environment required
• Valid license is required to drive between production facilities

Nice To Haves

• Multilingual in English, Japanese, and or Spanish is highly desired
• ERP experience is preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead OD/TPS activities across assigned areas to support company goals for safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and continuous improvement.
• Plan, assign, and follow up on daily TPS audits of both production facilities, and other assigned production areas to identify waste, abnormal conditions, safety concerns, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead time studies and verify standard work, cycle times, manpower requirements, line balance, and production targets for new and existing processes.
• Review TPS audit results, maintain accurate improvement data, and report findings, trends, and countermeasure status to management and responsible departments.
• Lead and support Kaizen activities focused on reducing muda, improving material and information flow, strengthening standardized work, and increasing operational efficiency.
• Provide guidance to production supervisors and team members on TPS principles, problem-solving methods, 5S, visual management, standard work, and waste reduction.
• Verify that shop-floor documents, including standard work, PQC documents, work instructions, and training materials, are clear, current, effective, and properly followed.
• Monitor adherence to TPS standards and escalate gaps, delays, or nonconformities requiring management attention or corrective action.
• Coordinate cross-functional improvement activities with production, quality, engineering, HR, maintenance, and management teams to ensure timely completion and sustainability of countermeasures.
• Develop and recommend improvement plans, training needs, and process changes to support safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction, employee development, and overall process efficiency.
• Comply with FIC’s Safety policies and procedures
• Comply with TS 16949 and ISO 14001 procedures and standards
• Perform 5-S activities

Benefits

• Medical plans offered through Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Delta Dental, and VSP Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and Transit FSA
• 401(k) – Company will match 50% of the first 6% you contribute to your 401(k)
• Basic Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability paid by employer
• Optional Supplemental Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (Employee Paid)
• Vacation, Holiday, and Personal Days Paid

What This Job Offers

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