Continuous Improvement Kaizen Specialist

CI Kaizen Specialist I

We're Watts. Together, we're reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

Scope of Position

This energetic, and lean-thinking individual will be responsible for supporting lean transformation, employee engagement, and problem solving to promote a "creativity before capital" mindset. The CI Kaizen Specialist I will partner with site leadership, and the CI team, to work through rapid experiments while supporting site transformation through LEAN processes.

This position reports to the Continuous Improvement Manager. This role is onsite and based in St. Pauls, NC.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Gathers data and manages all preparatory work necessary to execute Kaizen activity.
• Facilitates Kaizens.
• Works with CI Technicians to apply high levels of technical creativity to construct machines, equipment, and tools that support employees to gain competitive advantage.
• Apply the 3P process of "try storming" simulation to prove concepts, followed up with quickly assembling solutions that benefit the overall goals.
• Trains employees across campus on continuous improvement tasks and processes including Kaizen prep work and Kaizen execution.
• Performs as a key role in the New Product Development Process.
• Maintain primary work area in accordance to 5S standards. Improve, implement, and sustain 5S, Standard Work, Flow, Visual Management, TPM, Error Proofing.
• Works with Kaizen Road map and productivity funnel and hopper to prioritize projects and manage customer expectations.
• Prepares report-outs for Kaizen and other activities to senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ plus years of experience in manufacturing.
• Must currently have yellow belt or earn yellow belt within 3 months of accepting the role.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with minimal supervision and be willing to attend training as needed.
• Ability to work in team-oriented environment to accomplish large projects as well as self-management skills when working on smaller tasks and able to execute a daily and weekly action plan.
• Ability to work with cross function teams to provide solutions quickly and efficiently to manufacturing and material handling related issues.
• Ability to communicate both professionally and collaboratively with internal customers regarding status of requests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or certification in engineering technology, operations, or related field.
• Prior experience supporting Kaizen events or Lean improvement projects.
• Exposure to KPI reporting or visual management systems.

General Applicable Company Competencies

• Commitment to Watts' values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Adherence to Watts' seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Working Conditions

While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site in a manufacturing facility. You will be required to work at the Company's location in St. Pauls, NC. Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.

Physical Requirements - Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to push and pull up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to physically move around manufacturing floor.
• Ability to read documents and communicate clearly with management and coworkers.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, which may include, but is not limited to, safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

Nothing in this job description restricts Watts' right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is "at will," which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.

Watts in it for you :

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.