Director, Continuous Improvement

Description
Summary:

The Director of Continuous Improvement leads enterprise-wide initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategies that drive process optimization and foster a culture of continuous improvement across all business units. The position requires excellent knowledge in Lean manufacturing implementation, strong leadership, and the ability to influence change at all organizational levels.

Primary Duties
The Director will be accountable to the VP of Ops Excellence and partner with all operations leaders in driving a culture of continuous improvement, improving customer satisfaction, reducing waste through Lean Manufacturing.

• Support and drive the effective deployment of Lean manufacturing across the company, increasing customer satisfaction and increasing process predictability.
• Ensure that all strategic breakthroughs and Continuous Improvement Plans are actioned through high quality plans tied to Value Stream Maps and Standard Work, and necessary KPI scorecards are in place and well managed to deliver on the key processes which are measured weekly during Tier meetings.
• Develops and drives lean activities and advancements including training and execution; through word and action develops an organization that embraces lean and actively improves the operations through the use of appropriate lean methodologies and tools.
• Ensures all stakeholders are aware of 'off-standard' issues and supports recovery plans and actions. Drives the culture of true Gemba walks and to ensure the leadership is supporting the associates to drive high performing teams at each area of the plants.
• Partner with leadership to identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards during process changes.
• Serve as a change agent to promote a culture of innovation and accountability.

Additional Responsibilities Include

• Facilitate Kaizen events and value stream mapping sessions.
• Oversee standardization of processes and documentation.
• Implement root cause analysis and corrective action plans.
• Benchmark industry best practices and integrates into operations.
• Prepare executive-level reports and presentations on improvement outcomes.

Qualifications
Job Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in engineering or related field.
• +10 years of experience in Operations with 5 leading continuous improvement in multisite Operations with more than 1000 employees.
• Leadership – Proven success in leading high performance teams, achieving results through others, and being a strong team player
• Innovative thinking – Ability to lead innovative and/or transformative projects and strives for continuous improvements
• Analytical thinking - Exceptional ability to analyze data and utilize it to make sound business decision
• Customer oriented – Demonstrate strong focus on customer service and client satisfaction while maintaining high ethics and professional integrity in all interactions
• Conflict management and resolution skills - Build consensus, anticipate and solve problems
• Results focused – Ability to organize and manage multiple, and at times competing priorities
• Communication skills – Demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills necessary to lead and manage teams and projects effectively
• Relationship building skills – Ability to work within a dynamic team setting and provide leadership to build and develop strong teams
• Strong Financial understanding and P&L knowledge

Preferred

• Experience in HVAC or related manufacturing industries

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Requires

• Senior leader with past functional expertise within Operations (running factories) and Lean
• Leadership experience with a sizeable multidisciplinary team; demonstrated ability to lead a large a complex organization in a multi-site construct
• Solid understanding of business planning processes and key business metrics to be achieved
• Experience in running kaizen Gembas and thorough understanding of Toyota Production System principles and culture
• Proven track record in change management and influencing skills up, down and across the organization
• Expert knowledge of lean, process improvement and quality management tools
• Project Management skills and passion for continuous improvement

Essential Mental And Physical Functions
The role requires strategic thinking, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Physical demands include occasional standing and walking in manufacturing environments, as well as lifting up to 20 lbs during site visits.

Bullet Points

• Ability to analyze complex data and develop actionable strategies
• Frequent interaction with senior leadership and frontline employees
• Occasional travel to manufacturing facilities and vendor sites

Work Environment
Primarily office-based with regular visits to manufacturing facilities. Exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and industrial equipment during plant visits. Travel may include overnight stays.

Disclaimer
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.