Continuous Improvement Specialist

Responsibilities Continuous Improvement Specialist Coach and develop line operations leaders from operators to the general managers through leadership culture and behavior changes, using the PENA HPL, HPC training methods and the deployment of our newly created production system. Coach and develop the full-time hourly CI coaches, supporting them on other shifts from time to time and ensuring consistency across shifts, and support the multi-level change leaders to grow their HPC, daily management system/production system knowledge, and coach for change management capabilities. Coach all key contributors daily during Gemba walks on developing a highly effective Daily Management process focused on management through visual control, creation of flow, reduction of defects adherence to standard work, and solid implementation of rigorous problem solving. Work with the entire value stream organization (salary and hourly) to transform to a culture of significant focus on value for the customer, and rigorous continuous improvement. Work with the value stream organization to develop value stream maps that establish future state targets on elimination of non-value-added waste in product, material, and information flow. Works with area leadership and support team to define and educate the workforce on a lean transformation plan of A3’s and JDI’s which will lead to achievement of future state targets. Works with the site training department/HR to develop and deliver programs to teach the workforce on lean manufacturing tools and concepts such as problem solving, A3 management, leader as coach, Kaizen, Value Stream mapping, visual management, lean conversion and pull. Works with local team to ensure rigor around pre-work, post-work and conducting of the rapid improvement events. Ensure compliance within the area with standard processes and standard tools, help the team develop and follow their personal leader standard work, and help develop a culture of process discipline around operators following process standard work. Act as a change agent to bring about improvement in the processes through the formation and management of plant Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs). Identify and invite key participants who will work together to identify opportunities to eliminate waste and focus on improving processes. Facilitate the meetings so that the team has a clear understanding of the problem and the process to identify improvements. Provide necessary training specific to Lean Manufacturing tools and methodology. Follow up on RIE action plans to ensure that the improvements are being executed. Coach employees on use of lean tools. Become an expert on key lean tools, including mechanics and when to apply. Conduct regular Gemba walks and coach for daily improvement and problem solving. Ensure A3/A4 thinking is utilized and understood by all levels of the organization. Serve as a proactive presence when groups stall or when there is an unwillingness to challenge the status quo through match-pace-lead approach. Support building and implementation of visual management systems and create strong hand-offs to area owners for ongoing success. Effectively communicate Lean progress to ensure understanding and implementation. Develop communication plan to inform organization of Lean progress made and upcoming Lean activities. Establish best practice sharing from shift to shift that have been successful in the implementation of HPC, Gemba walks, and Kaizens. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and the protection of our employees, wearing PPE is a requirement for some roles at PENA and may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. Qualifications Education Basic/Required: High School Diploma or GED Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree and relevant experience Essential Qualifications Must have 2+ years of continuous improvement manufacturing experience Must have strong technical background, including high volume manufacturing environment Solid background in Process Development & Process Improvement Ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization Excellent communicator: Interpersonal and presentation skills Able to influence change without direct authority. Must have been on PENA high performance culture training (if internal candidate) Dynamic and engaging facilitation/training skills. Ability to convey and communicate complex concepts simply and clearly. Experience in Did we win today and servant leadership style culture Strong interpersonal, presentation, and project management skills. Experience coaching and mentoring. Training and coaching others experience Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English Preferred Qualifications Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude) Physical Demands Sit: 40% Walk: 30% Stand: 20% Lift: 10% Required Lifting and Carrying frequency: Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required Benefits & Perks Health Benefits - Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options. Voluntary Benefits - Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance. Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) - 401k plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting. Paid Time-Off Benefits - Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave. Educational Assistance - Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service. Health Management and Wellbeing Programs - Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service. Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus. On-site Food Options - Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events Free Shuttle - Rides to and from work! Supplemental Information Pre-employment drug testing is required. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr