Manager, Continuous Improvement

The Manager of KAIZEN / Quality Assurance position is responsible for managing the quality assurance system for the WHSE Division that promotes customer satisfaction and that positively impact the financial performance of the division. Engaging with senior leadership teams, this position provides leadership of continuous improvement efforts and defect reduction initiatives. This position plays a key role in cultivating KAIZEN culture throughout the business unit.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Formulates and maintains Quality and Kaizen programs complementary to corporate vision and strategic goals for YLA.
• Designs and implements Kaizen training. Pilots training in lean enterprise and “Kaizen” practices. Including but not limited to 5S’s, Visual control (“Mieruka”), time study (“Cycle time”, “Gentani” ), productivity & data analysis (“Yamazumi”, etc.), 5-WHY problem solving, Value Stream Mapping to improve workflow processes and increase operational efficiency, quality and safety.
• Creates and implements audit criteria and procedures. Audits operational facilities and processes. Assesses potential quality problems, identifies deviation from standard and room for improvement (“Kaizen”). Creates and updates quality standards, as necessary.
• Interprets Kaizen philosophy for the organization and provides expert guidance in developing Quality / Kaizen processes across all business units.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with WHSE executive leadership, management and Kaizen and Quality facilitators and participants.
• Encourage, mentor and manage KAIZEN activities / process improvement projects.
• Demonstrate KAIZEN activities to enable WHSE YLA members to apply KAIZEN.
• Communicate and liaison the performance of KAIZEN to all stakeholders in the business unit.
• Attends conferences, meeting, and workshops to maintain current knowledge of KAIZEN/Quality methods and procedures or to maintain required level of certification.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in business operations and hands on experience in developing and implementing business process improvement program is required.
• Prior experience in the logistics supply chain, freight forwarding, warehousing, trans-loading business is preferred.
• Professional knowledge of TPS and their tools, including but not limited to 5S’s, Visual control (“Mieruka”), time study (“Cycle time”, “Gentani” ), productivity & data analysis (“Yamazumi”, etc.), 5-WHY problem solving, Value Stream Mapping.
• Creative and innovative thinker with an ability to translate complex ideas and metrics into simple, actionable recommendations.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• High communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate in written and verbal form – with a wide variety of individuals from front line employees to senior executives.
• Demonstrated skills in managing people and projects.
• Ability to cultivate KAIZEN philosophy.
• Ability to create and manage financial reports, budget and metrics.
• Strong analytical, logical and problem-solving skills.
• Professional presence, polished communication skills, and proven ability to effectively collaborate with all levels of employees.
• Innate interest in and desire for continuous learning and personal development.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft office, especially Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, develop, lead and implement process standardization and process improvement throughout geographically dispersed locations.
• Strong, collaborative, leadership skills clearly demonstrating by example the Yusen Values – of Intensity, Integrity and Innovation. Effectively influences actions and opinions of others. Displays vision and passion for continuous improvement; influences and mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage projects demonstrated through prior experience as a project manager, and/or through related PM certification or course work. Knowledge of WBS in project management highly desired. Inspires the trust of others.
• Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Demonstrates ability to comply with YLA Core Competencies: Problem Solving & Decision Making, Accountability & Responsibility, Communication, Collaboration & Teamwork, and Customer Focus.

About Yusen Logistics (Americas)

Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. provides the business advantage to some of the world’s largest retailers, auto manufactures, consumer electronics companies and more. Our services ensure that our customer goods move from production through the supply chain to the end user. Offering air and ocean freight forwarding, global warehousing, transportation, reverse logistics, surface transportation and supply chain solutions, we perform a key role in keeping world trade moving. Globally Yusen Logistics employs over 17,000 staff across 412 offices.

As part of the NYK Group established in 1885, one of the world’s most recognized and trusted names in shipping and logistics. Yusen Logistics (Americas) is consistently recognized as one of the most ethical and sustainable companies.

Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. (“YLA” or “the Company”) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship status, uniform service member status, age, disability, sexual and gender orientation, genetic information or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. This commitment extends to all aspects of YLA’s employment practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, transferring, compensation, benefits, training, leaves of absence, termination, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Long Beach, CA 90810: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Microsoft Excel: 1 year (Preferred)
• Supply chain: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location