Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Overview:  The Continuous Improvement specialist is responsible for leading the effort to reduce cost, improve quality, develop costing systems, create efficient production processes, implement Lean methodologies and improve ERP systems, documentation and manufacturability of products.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead designated continuous improvement program.
• Coordinate and facilitate continuous improvement teams. Document teams’ projects and improvement processes, ROIs, and involvement.
• Collaborate with production personnel seeking methods to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Provide daily production support.
• Assist in the implementation of Lean production and systems throughout the Valve Division.
• Perform and analyze root causes of failures and create corrective action plans.
• Create and manage processes essential to ensure product quality. Analyze quality data and trends.
• Design systems and capture data for performance metrics and display with visual techniques.
• Assist in the development and documentation of efficient manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Create standard work procedures for manufacturing and assembly.
• Implement and train in Lean techniques and Six Sigma processes.
• Assist in developing and maintaining the safety program.
• Lead/participate in periodic Kaizen events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or equivalent combination of years of experience and education.
• 2 years’ experience implementing Lean principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• High levels of patience and desire are required to support multiple personality types in the production environment.
• Ability to multi-task and function in a fast-paced work environment.
• Self-directed and able to prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Strong desire to work within a team environment.

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential job functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Job hazards are typical of an office and or shop environment.  
• There are periodic high noise levels and vibration associated with this job. Sources include: engine noise, air compressors, air powered equipment, and other shop noises. Also there is possibly sufficient noise, either constant or intermittent to cause possible hearing loss.
• There are a variety of physical hazards in which there is danger to life, health, or bodily injury, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving equipment, heavy parts, electrical shock, compressed air and exposure to chemicals.
• Machines, tools, equipment, and work aids which may be representative, but not all inclusive, of those commonly associated with this type of work.
• Air power tools, electric drill, drill press, grinders (both hand and bench), wrenches, torches, welders, a variety of hand tools, mills, and electric cords.

Physical Requirements:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by and employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to exert up to 70 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 50 lbs. of force on a regular basis through the day, depending on work related circumstances.

• Must be able to lift objects from floor to above shoulder level. Must be able to move objects/parts/tools and equipment from one area to another and one level to another level.

• This position includes the following physical demands:
  • Reaching – extending and pulling the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction while working with various tools as mentioned before.
  • Handling - seizing, holding, grasping, turning, pulling, or otherwise working with hands and arms.
  • Pulling – using arms in such a way as pulling of tools, wrenches, parts, and equipment to complete the job.
  • Fingering – picking, pinching, or otherwise working with fingers primarily (rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling).
  • Feeling – being able to determine objects such as size, shape, temperature or texture by means of receptors in skin, particularly those of finger tips.

Benefits :

• 100% Employee Owned - ESOP
• Health Insurance (3 plan options)
• 401(k) plan plus Employer 401(k) Matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• HSA - Health Savings Account
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Vision insurance
• Accident/Critical Illness Insurance options
• Life Insurance
• And more!

Location: 4010 Iowa St, Alexandria, MN 56308