Sr Continuous Improvement Manager

La-Z-Boy•Monroe, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will provide the leadership to implement our overall Continuous Improvement strategy that focuses on Lean Transformation and Strategic Initiatives. This position will also support efforts in Process Improvement, Global Standards & Training. This position works in partnership with all CI team members as well as critical supply chain partners to develop and execute La-Z-Boy CI strategy across Global operations. This role will also support critical aspects of TranZform implementation and support Focused Improvement Teams (FIT) to realize significant operational savings through the elimination of waste throughout the Supply Chain, including all manufacturing sites, supply centers, RDC’s and R&D. Our ultimate goal is the seamless flow of material through our sites – from incoming raw materials to our customers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field with 8-10 years of experience or equivalent
10+ years of supervisory/leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of developing direct reports
Must have an expert level understanding of process improvement tools such as Kaizen, Six sigma, PDCA, 5S, VSM, Standard Work, TPM, Material Replenishment & Flow, etc.
Firsthand Kaizen experience is a must.
Has successfully led a minimum of 25 Kaizen Events.
Demonstrated experience changing the culture of a large organization.
Has led Multiple Lean Transformations.
Previous experience providing Lean training.
Plant / Operations Management Experience

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in engineering or related field
Six Sigma Certification
ASQ Certification
Demonstrates strong leadership skills along with high level of integrity and professionalism.
Excellent Analytical, oral / written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Strong Business and Financial Acumen.
System Thinker – ability to see and understand overall picture.
Strong facilitation skills, change management experience and project management.
Excellent presentation skills to effectively share successes.
Team Building Experience
Strategic Planning / Development Experience

Responsibilities

Lead the Continuous Effort in driving lean transformation and supporting Strategic Initiatives.
Acts as a Senior leader of the CI Leadership team that develops, leads and supports the execution of the overall Continuous Improvement Strategy for all of Supply Chain.
Coaches and develops teams (Operations, Business, CI) of both hourly and salary associates to drive improvement activities using lean methodology and thinking.
Builds Trust with Operations/CI Leadership team through direct engagement and strong relationship building.
Leads Teams by example – hands on attitude.
Supports the CI progress throughout the division using key metrics such as Cost of Quality, Cost/EU, OEE, Number of Completed Kaizen Events, Kaizen Savings, etc.
Facilitates Lean Training at all levels of the organization while driving Center of Excellence standards and layouts creating best practices across the Supply Chain
Investigate and recommend new manufacturing methods, machinery, and equipment to increase productivity, reduce waste and reduce cost.
Drives value stream transformation efforts and thinking and analyzes value stream opportunities to drive improvements.
Leverages best practices across sites and throughout the organization.
Leads/Mentors in an environment in which all team members are respected and motivated to improve their team contributions to achieve organization goals.
Fosters our “Team First” thought process.
Exhibits Managerial Courage - tactfully dispenses direct and actionable feedback; is open and direct with others without being intimidating.
Apply statistical methods in driving problem solving throughout the organization
Identifies the need and creates Global Standards and Playbooks that comprise Tranzform Lean Tools and methodologies.
This role leads the Supply Chain organization’s value stream transformation efforts by designing future state and aligning resources to execute efforts.
This role will also be instrumental in supporting the development of strategic initiatives in the Operations/CI Organization and implementing on initiatives.
Supports the implementation of critical elements of TranZform to create a robust Continuous Improvement culture that is focused on leadership understanding the needs of the front-line teams and taking appropriate action to address those needs.
Is the subject matter expert for all Principals and Elements within TranZform (the La-Z-Boy Production System).