Continuous Improvement Manager

Hunter Douglas is the world’s leading manufacturer of window coverings and a major manufacturer of architectural products. We are a brand that you know and trust. With more than 100 years of innovation, we’ve defined our industry with proprietary products that deliver revolutionary style and functionality and can be found in millions of homes and commercial buildings globally.

We are searching for candidates that are driven, intelligent, creative, and entrepreneurial. By offering challenging and accelerated opportunities for growth, powered by a shared hunger for success, we create a space for your career to thrive. In return for your expertise, we are committed to providing competitive and robust total compensation and benefit packages to ensure you feel valued. Our dream is to become the fastest growing, most loved, window covering company in the world. What’s yours?

Position Overview

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for implementing lean methodology and continuous improvement tools, processes, and standardization throughout the HD Outdoor Division and its locations. The CI Manager, in conjunction with other division staff, is responsible for writing and enforcing new Standard Work Documents at all workstations.  This includes training, certifying, and auditing employees to verify adherence to Standard Work and ensure products are built to specifications.  The CI Manager researches, plans, trains, executes, and facilitates operational improvement programs ie. Kaizen events, in order to create a culture of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing that leads to associate empowerment, elimination of waste, and improvements in Safety, Quality, Service, Cost, and Employee Engagement.  The CI Manager drives the adherence to standard work and the execution of the Lean Management System, as well as introduces process improvements, equipment advances, layout suggestions, and new ideas to help improve SQDC, while teaching and supporting the company mission and core values.

What you'll do

• Engage, enhance, and fully execute the “Hunter Douglas Lean Management System”.
• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects through cross-functional team facilitation and project management.
• Drive the adherence of standard work and ensures the integration with Lean Management System.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and tools (e.g., value stream mapping, Kaizen, Charters, 5S, Gemba walks, LMS, root cause problem solving) to identify and develop solutions that drive operational improvement in Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.
• Act as primary liaison with steering committees.
• Network with other plant’s lean leaders to leverage programs designed to continually improve operations and eliminate waste, fostering best practice and standardization.
• Provide leadership by mentoring associates in the use of Lean tools, ensuring transfer of knowledge, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collect and analyze the data on Plant processes, procedures and performance using evaluation tools and make recommendations on improvement opportunities/kaizens.
• Establish collaborative relationship with local plant management.
• Implement and enforce new Standard Work Documents and refresh existing Standard Work, for all workstations and products in the plant.
• Validate newly written Job Instructions and Standard Work for correctness, process, layout, etc.
• Certify, train, and audit employees in use, understanding, and adherence to Standard Work specifications.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a system for updating Standard Work, providing the latest versions at each workstation, as well as documenting employee training and certification.
• Review and train employees and management in the use of problem solving, quality, and analysis tools.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement new ideas, layouts, equipment, jigs, where feasible.
• Ensure processes are followed and consistent product quality is achieved according to internal specifications and external customer expectations.
• Lead Root Cause Corrective Measures (RCCM) activities and quality improvement initiatives, in conjunction with operations/department management, Engineering, and Hunter Douglas Product Brand Teams, facilitating contact and follow-up with all support groups, i.e. IT, Maintenance, etc.
• Monitor and implement corrective actions for internal and external Quality by starting and participating in rapid improvement cycles.
• Provide analysis on quality improvement to reduce/eliminate plant controllable errors.
• Contributes to HD Lean Culture of continuous improvement, working with managers, supervisors, and employees, to identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Effectively communicate with management, peers, shifts, support groups, other Hunter Douglas Divisions, and employees throughout the company.

Who you are

• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain strong business relationships
• Ability to work independently, making sound decisions regarding daily functions/priorities while reporting non-routine decisions to Management
• Working knowledge of control and quality systems
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills along with superior computer skills, i.e. SAP, EPIC, BW, Excel, Word, PPTX, Minitab (or other statistical software).
• Excellent communication and teaching skills, with a strong ability to rally employees and teams
• Proven ability to adapt and manage effectively in a changing environment
• Strong understanding of and commitment to manufacturing excellence
• Must be precise with the highest focus on quality and customer experience

Acceptable Training & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related degree/diploma preferred
• Six Sigma Certification (Green or Black Belt)
• Prior experience with management systems (ISO, TPS, HDMS)
• Minimum 3-5 Years of experience in a full-time Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma role
• Strong working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Process Mapping, Value-add/Non-Value-add, Standard Work, Line Balancing, 7 Wastes, hour-by-hour management, gap management, etc.
• Experience leading/facilitating multiple kaizen events/programs and/or key participant role in a large plant lean transformation initiative
• Ability to use data to guide in creating improvement/kaizen plans
• Ability to plan, prioritize and organize work without close supervision
• Ability to effectively handle multiple projects with track record of successful project completion
• Computer and analytical skills required

What's in it for you?

• Annual base salary range: $105,000 - $125,000
• Bonus target range: 20%-25%
• Generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability
• A company culture that prioritizes internal development and professional growth
• Time off with pay 
• 401(k) plan with a degree of employer matching
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs and product discounts

Please note, all offers presented to candidates are carefully crafted to ensure market competitiveness, equity, and reflect the individual candidate’s education, experience, skills and potential.

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