Continuous Improvement Manager

Title:  Continuous Improvement Manager

Reports to:     Vice President of Operations

Position Objective: The Continuous Improvement Manager is a strategic role responsible for transforming and sustaining Wagner into a world class lean manufacturing enterprise.  This operations-based position will collaborate across all functions of the organization to help achieve focus, alignment, and synchronization.  The CI manager will orchestrate the lean transformation and ensure Wagner has the right systems, processes, tools, and methods that deliver real time feedback and quantifiable metrics.  This role will also coach, mentor, and train team members on CI methodologies.

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Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership and strategic thinking for implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leads the continuous improvement process (e.g. behaviors, attitude and culture), working with others to develop, implement and sustain a continuous improvement program based upon lean principles that supports meeting financial goals and objectives.
• Lead the implementation of operating processes and systems that deliver consistent year over year continuous improvement opportunities.
• Leads, identifies and defines scope of continuous improvement planning and activities.
• Lead and support the organization to identify opportunities and works closely with technical resources to help drive efficiencies and best practices.
• Teaches and models root cause analysis, problem solving, and actions to prevent recurrence, standard work and follow-up.
• Be a change agent helping organization to manage changes, challenges existing processes that create waste and non-value added work.
• Coaches, guides and/or leads cross functional teams to achieve resolution of assigned projects.
• Monitor data and metrics to identify areas of waste and prioritize the development of actions plans and implementation of solutions.
• Teaches and models tools and concepts Lean, CI and Six Sigma, facilitates kaizen and problem solving events.
• Provide appropriate documentation and project update communication to Stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• 4-year degree in science, engineering, management, or related field.
• Lean certification.
• 10+ years of experience in operations environment including a minimum of 8+ years of successful leadership in executing continuous improvement/lean efforts and enabling efficiency, effectiveness, and tangible financial benefits.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional improvement initiatives across key business areas (manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, safety, quality, engineering, etc.)
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing/continuous improvement methodologies and ability to develop and deliver training and model them.
• Must have strong analytical and business judgment including demonstrated problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills.
• Ability to influence, mentor and coach to get results through the enterprise.
• Experienced in designing and implementing operational metrics to drive business performance improvements (e.g., balance scorecard).
• Proven experience driving results consistent with Wagner’s growth strategies.
• Solves highly complex problems and prioritizes actions in a timely manner.
• Establish clear directions, set stretching objectives. Lays out work in a well-planned and organized manner and brings out the best in people through leveraging their strengths.
• Must be mobile and able to take on broader assignments for additional development opportunities.

Required Interpersonal & Behavioral Skills: 

• Emotional Intelligence: Influences others, listens openly and sends convincing messages; negotiates and resolves disagreements, is cooperative and collaborative.
• Ability to problem-solve.
• Ability to concentrate on tasks, make decisions and work calmly and effectively in a high-pressure, deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information.
• 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.
• Have strong bias for action, while proving the ability to inspire others.
• Convey high level of optimism while setting aggressive targets to teams, finding ways to achieve them.
• Communicates a compelling vision and inspired sense of purpose.
• Able to build strong and diverse relationships across the business groups they collaborate with. Supports and fosters change.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of employees and customers

Desired Qualifications:

• MBA preferred
• Lean Manager Certified preferred

Additional Information:

• Location of this position is in Plymouth, Minnesota
• This position may require 15% travel – ability to travel internationally