Lean Expert: Continuous Improvement

Lean Expert

Location: Des Moines, IA /Hybrid

Duration: Fulltime

Job Description

Day to Day:

Operational Lean Deployment

Provide input on local or regional Lean plan and country strategy (support Country MT) and translate this into a local execution plan and local or regional Lean projects, based on the agreed priorities.

Execute key activities within the Lean Transformation by especially supporting & driving (hands on) MDI & MWI with the key office/regional teams.

Local process & systems optimization

Analyze local processes, learn, spar, and teach others on all ins & outs of process optimization techniques within the process and related technology landscape.

Business Process Change

Deliver breakthrough levels of improvement in process capability to reduce defects, variation and cost.

Coordinate the execution of local / regional improvement projects for business change, using the Lean methodology.

Benchmark against best-in-class tools & methods and share best practices within the business.

Effectively communicate teams’ progress to operational and Lean leadership.

Deliver improved P&L financial performance

Deliver project improvements and capture the local business change effects according to the agreed monitoring & preferred delivery format.

Lead and manage completion of projects to drive continuous improvement in revenue and cost out of the business, by applying operational excellence in an effective manner (such as eliminating non-value add, waste and other related bottlenecks in the business process).

Report the outcomes periodically to the (Regional) Lean Coach and assigned Country MT member.

Lead Change

Act as a hands-on improvement agent and business partner in improving the way we do business today.

Continuous Improvement

Deploy the knowledge and the correct choice and execution of key Lean techniques & tools in that particular setting and business change cycle (= “grasping the situation”).

Transfer knowledge and train others in their Lean techniques & thinking. Drive Lean throughout the company by identifying process issues and implement new solutions that can be implemented in coordination with the functional process owners.

Essentials:

Bachelor’s Degree (preferred in Engineering, Finance, or Similar)

Training in Six Sigma & Lean continuous improvement methodologies required

MUST be Black Belt Certified (or en route towards BB certification)

3-5 years of experience in related (Continuous Improvement/Project Management) roles with increasing levels of responsibility

Manufacturing experience a plus, but not necessary

Passionate about leading and make change within the organization

Practical experience with Lean transactional implementation and Continuous Improvement facilitation

Able to mentor and facilitate Lean Culture change in an environment with varying acceptance levels.

Must be comfortable working with work floor staff and management

Requirements:

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certified (or en route towards certification)

3-5 years of experience in relevant positions (5 is preferred)

Bachelor's Degree