Continuous Improvement Manager

Key contributor to the planning and creation of the AOP Strategic Goals and Objectives related to Continuous Improvement (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost).

Responsible for roadmap creation to achieve AOP targeted C.I. related improvements. This includes project scope, timing, training, and managing project execution to ensure that goals / improvement targets are met.

Provide expert level advice and guidance to Tennant on Lean topics along with providing coaching / training to the plant on lean related topics, tools, and philosophy.

Ownership on building out a culture of continuous improvement, driving standard work practices across all departments, delivering strict adherence to the 5S program while leveraging all available resources to aid in building out a world class distribution and brush manufacturing operations.

Actively identify barriers to Lean / CI success and develop strategies to overcome them, gaining alignment with stakeholders.

GENERAL RESPONISIBILITIES :

Primary Continuous Improvement leader for site Operations Facility with capability of conducting / coaching for other sites as needed.

Collaborate closely with plant and department managers, to drive the deployment of lean methodologies to achieve lasting improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) metrics.

Define, train and coach teams on appropriate Lean / Continuous Improvement (CI) concepts, process improvement and problem-solving tools and methodologies such as 5S, value stream mapping, kaizen events, Poka-yoke, Practical Problem Solving, Visual Management, and other tools as required.

Support corporate training development and education initiatives as needed.

Ensure that the plant shop floor operations’ team is engaged and empowered to utilize Continuous Improvement Philosophy and Tools to improve the business.

When needed, lead / participate in operations Business Process activities - lead events with various business support entities and lead through influence to ensure adoption and implementation of lean concepts.

Lead major projects within the organization with limited oversight.

Coordinate and / or participate in capital initiatives and projects for the site, including equipment and automation projects from design through execution to commissioning of the equipment.

Participate in the development and deployment of lean tools and problem-solving standards globally.

Problem Solving leadership, training, and coaching via Kaizen and A3

Drive the development and implementation of Standard Work and Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) enterprise wide.

Identification of waste and aggressive approach to reduce and eliminate it.

Develop and provide lean training to operations and business functions, ensuring alignment with TPS principles and the broader Tennant Operating Model.

Improves operational efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, layout, and Material Flow. Responsible for storage and space requirements needs with ownership to identify, solve, and sustain storage related issues.

Identify and support changes / upgrades in the business environment that may affect WM / ERP / XPS applications and work with the IT organization to plan changes.

Work with the Business Analyst, department managers and leaders to create and maintain dashboards and reports and document the impact of process improvements on business results.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION :

Bachelor level degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Mechanical, Industrial or related field.

Demonstrated Background in Lean / CI, specifically Toyota Production Systems.

7-10 years’ experience in Manufacturing and / or Warehousing and Distribution environments, preferably with 5+ years CI leadership experience.

Proven track record of innovation, ingenuity, creativity, attention to detail, ownership, integrity, accountability, and willingness to seek and take on challenges is required.

Possess knowledge of financial indicators and analysis as they pertain to capital planning, fixed asset management and budget development / management.

Have led capital projects, process improvement initiative and ongoing value engineering opportunities.

Possess strong communication and presentation skills at all levels of the organization and the ability to break down highly technical discussion into understandable concepts for non-technical colleagues.

Direct leadership of functional teams.

Demonstrated capability to navigate organizations to achieve results.

• REQUIRED INTERPERSONAL & BEHAVIORAL SKILLS :

Collaborate effectively and ensure buy-in with key stakeholders and with appropriate external agencies.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Willingness to be flexible and adjust to a changing work environment.

Effectively manage relationships and provide leadership in a matrix environment.

Ability to build and maintain positive relationships, both internally and externally, while maintaining a client service orientation.

Demonstrated business acumen.

Characterized by integrity and high professional standards.

Ability to solve problems.

Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize and accurately prioritize work, be detail-oriented, understand when urgency is required and use good judgment in varied situations.

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