Continuous Improvement Manager

Red Dot Corporation, the leading producer of premium mobile HVAC units and components for heavy-duty commercial and military vehicles, is recruiting for the following position: Continuous Improvement Manager

Summary Description:

Develops and recommends to senior management an annual Lean implementation plan in support of the corporate business plan. Coordinates the Lean plan and respective projects. Manages company Kaizen events and monitors all follow up activities. Leads lean initiatives including team training, event scheduling and procurement requirements. Develops project plans including the gathering of information, estimates of cost and resources required and implementation. Defines project parameters to other units participating in the project. Provides consultation with managers, supervisors, leads, and others during the course of lean events. Directs the collection and analysis of data to define problems and drive solutions. Reports progress of activities to the site General Manager. Develops and reviews department budgets which are consistent with the corporate strategic direction.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

• Present annual continuous improvement implementation plan.
• Develop Red Dot Continuous Improvement training program and materials.
• Develops materials which aids Poka-Yoke, 5S and SMED
• Provides training in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, six sigma, and other related techniques/methodologies.
• Directs Continuous Improvement team members and schedules/facilitates Kaizen events.
• Tracks the progress of Kaizen activities, measures effectiveness and reports results to the General Manager and/or Executive Leadership.
• Works with area leaders to identify and remove waste in production and procurement activities.
• Assists in the installation and movement of machinery and equipment.
• Develops and maintains corporate Continuous Improvement budget and project plan.
• Performs additional relevant tasks as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Act as an ambassador and project a “good company image” at all times maintaining a positive, solution-oriented approach.
• Is knowledgeable of company policies and quality procedures.
• Ensures all areas are maintained in accordance with company policy, state, federal and regulating entities.
• Is aware of and actively supports the achievement of departmental goals. Implement new company initiatives as assigned.
• Provide internal and on-site customer support and problem solving as a work product/services expert. Make recommendations to management regarding solutions.
• Able to work effectively both individually and in a team with minimal supervision; able to make decisions using own initiative based on company policy and regulating entities. Give regular updates to direct supervisor regarding progress and non-routine occurrences that may disrupt work schedule.
• Ensure knowledge of the appropriate safety, security and environmental revisions. Handle relevant equipment with care, being concerned with safety and security. Immediately report safety concerns to Supervisor/Lead.
• Ensure a professional appearance, use professional verbiage and maintain appropriate body language.
• Ability to manage multiple and varied tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume regulated environment applying strong attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze issues, troubleshoot, problem-solve and effectively and efficiently make decisions.
• Strong communication skills with external and internal personnel to include:
• Active listening skills; ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to clearly explain technical subjects to internal and external personnel.
• Strive for clarity and for alleviation of tension when the need arises.
• Able to be effective in a wide range of cultural groups and cross-cultural relationships and have the ability to communicate clearly to non-native speakers.
• Able to work in a progressive, fast-paced environment and amongst multiple interruptions and competing demands.
• Continue own education by staying informed of industry trends and learning new skills when possible.

Level Requirements (Minimum):

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field and 3 - 5 five years business experience in manufacturing.
• Advanced degree in manufacturing, engineering or business, preferred.

Experience

• Advanced knowledge in lean production theory, Six-Sigma or TQM techniques.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively train others.
• Ability to use advanced query tools and office productivity software such as Microsoft Excel.
• 5-10 years experience leading Lean in a Manufacturing Organization.
• 5+ years experience in an Operations/Manufacturing/Business Unit Leadership role, preferred.
• Experience working with a diverse workforce.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Must have the ability to sit or stand at computer for extended periods of time
• The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and motor control to use common drafting implements and calculators

Red Dot Corporation offers the following total compensation package for this role:

Salary Range: **$97,000-$110,000, exempt per year.

Paid Sick Time/Paid Sick and Safe Time.

Personal Time Off (PTO)

Average of 14 paid holidays per year.

Employer sponsored PPO Medical Plans, with employer subsidized premiums of at least 70% for non-tobacco users.

Employer sponsored PPO Dental Plans dental, with employer subsidized premiums of at least 70% for non-tobacco users.

Employer sponsored Vision Plans.

Free Employee Assistance Program to all employees.

Free Benefit Advocate access for insurance benefit inquiries.

401(k) employer contribution of 3% of annual salary*, regardless of participation.

100% ESOP Company, with vesting beginning after 1,000 hours.

Employer Paid Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) premiums.

Employer Paid Long Term Disability Insurance premiums.

Employer Paid Washington State FML payroll taxes.

Voluntary Benefits such as: Flexible Spending Accounts, Daycare Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability Insurance, etc.

*Subject to all local, state and federal regulatory limits

** Salary grade levels and placement are all based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: applicable experience, education, skill set, market.

Red Dot is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.