Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: Virginia - Wytheville, VA, Education Level: High School, Salary Range: $62000.00 - $72000.00Salary, Job Shift: 1st Shift (7am - 3pm), SUMMARY The Continuous Improvement Specialist primary role is to lead and directly implement large-scale Kaizen improvements that support Somic America's company objectives. Satisfy Somic America’s Safety and Quality goals and objectives in completion of activities or duties (reference Somic America’s Quality Manual and Quality Policy). Must maintain a focus on Safety, Quality, Productivity, Budgets, and Continuous Improvement.  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Develop and implement an annual individual Kaizen activity plan in support of Somic America's key objectives. Improvement activities focused on improving the work environment, safety, quality and overall cost reduction. Participate and Lead Improvement Projects. Work with Plant Teams in identifying areas for process improvement. Establish objectives for each project and select cross-function team members and leaders. At times act in the capacity of a team member, and other lead improvement activities either individually or as a cross functional team. Prepare effective Kaizen events by ensuring all participants and stakeholders have the tools and resources they need, necessary information, and guidance to enable them to fully engage in the process of Kaizen and maximize the potential outcome and long-term sustainability of each project. and hold production accountable for sustainability. Track Progress by developing a project charter prior to the start of each event, ensuring a proper return on investment for time/dollars. Develop tools for tracking, analyzing and reporting on project results through Somic America's cost reduction reporting system. Present formal reviews with each month to review accomplishments, identify areas for improvement, and respond to questions and gather additional project ideas from plant stakeholders. Lead, Co-Lead and participate in Kaizen Training depending on area of expertise. Work with the Plant Manager to keep all training materials current and relevant for the topics of 5S, 7 Areas of Waste, Lean, Six Sigma etc. Ensure high visibility/ showcase of Kaizen activities within the plant further stimulating interest and employee motivation to participate in SAI's continuous improvement programs. Periodic analysis of manufacturing routings, cycle times, tool life, changeover time, and auxiliary work necessary to properly scope a project for the highest ROI. Yokoten of similar processes when completing projects. Ability to positively interact with all employees. Maintain a positive working relationship with all levels of the organization. Ability to travel periodically to SAI-Brewer, ME for Kaizen collaboration activities between plants. Maintain and provide a safe work area and work in a safe manner. Submit suggestions for improvements.  SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Directly supervises shift Kaizen Specialist. Provide direct leadership and supervise continuous improvement activities in the plants. Provide model behavior to demonstrate company values.  Qualifications: QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED); minimum 5 years work experience in manufacturing and experience with lean/six sigma. Hands-on equipment experience, such as drill press, saws etc. Machine shop experience preferred. Knowledge/experience with tool optimization and scrap reduction.  LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from employees, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups and/or board of directors.  MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to use a wide variety of computer software including Microsoft Office software.  REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical information in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to translate progressive operating techniques into applications and results. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 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. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.