Primary Function:

The Corporate Continuous Improvement Manager will be responsible to direct, coordinate and actively participate in creating a sustainable culture of continuous improvement.  Responsibilities include assessment of the current business processes and activities, help with the development of the future state vision, and execution of an improvement event action plan.  The Corporate Continuous Improvement Manager will manage critical projects, prioritize and execute related training, and deploy the tools, principals, and processes that increase quality and eliminate waste.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage implementation of critical software platforms:

    • MPTotal for maintenance management (preventive, corrective, and predictive activities)

    • InfinityQS for statistical process control (SPC) (real-time SPC, statistics, investigative analysis)

    • Minitab Analytics and Engage (continuous improvement tools and data analysis)

  • Collaborate with Divisional and Plant Quality and Engineering Representatives to determine learning gaps as they relate to Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving; evaluate, develop, and implement tools, processes, and methods for determining and executing improvement opportunities to meet the needs of the business.
  • Establish and document processes that support the continuous improvement program initiatives; develop and execute training using external and internal platforms, including classroom and web-based methods.
  • Design, improve, and promote the continuous improvement software to meet the needs of the continuous improvement program, working with all facilities, to align business directives and global manufacturing differences to software options.
  • Manage communications for Corporate Quality related to continuous improvement initiatives, such as new policies, training, or news events using approved communication platforms.
  • Manage the global Infinity QS team to monitor the SPC software implementation and continued support of all participating facilities to ensure effective data collection and analytics.
  • Act as the system administrator for MPTotal to standardize and manage corporate level templates and functions, and support interface with the system working with the plants and IT for configuration requirements including API.
  • Provide metrics and reports related to the health of the continuous improvement program to management and customers at a defined frequency.
  • Provide statistical analysis and root cause investigation support for escalated issues at a division or plant level as assigned.
  • Mentor certified continuous improvement personnel through training and completion of projects, and Divisional Quality Representatives to the required Quality and Continuous Improvement policies, procedures, and tools so they can support their Division locations.

Desired Skillsets:

  • Demonstrated results towards implementing strategic change in manufacturing operations.  Low volume/high mix model experience as well as non-manufacturing value stream implementation experience preferred.
  • Track record of self-driven efforts to apply continuous improvement throughout an organization.
  • Track record of successful project management of large scale, multi-location projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with all levels of an organization in both formal presentation and informal interaction; a passionate coach and role model for continuous improvement processes.
  • Ability to develop and deliver effective training in a formal classroom environment, one on one, and web applications.
  • Ability to drive cross-functional change in the face of resistance and lead people to effective solutions.
  • Demonstrated business acumen and knowledge of overall business operations.
  • Effective project management and strategic planning skills.
  • Strong problem solving; advanced statistical analysis skills preferred.
  • Proficient with applied statistics, database technology, workflow management, process flows, computerized business systems, Minitab, and MS Office Suite; analyzing data. Experience with Smartsheet and InfinityQS a plus.

Requirements:

  • This position requires a Bachelor Degree at a minimum, with a preference for a graduate degree and at least 7 years related Continuous Improvement experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in Lean Six Sigma, certified Black Belt, Master Black Belt preferred; experience with Red X, certified Apprentice, Journeyman preferred, experience with Lean and Kaizen events, and experience with Total Productive Maintenance (TMP).
  • Detail oriented and Quality focused with strong organization, persuasion and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to present information and respond to questions from various levels within the organization and global locations.
  • Ability to develop policies, procedures, and training for a global audience.
  • Self-starter, motivated, team focused and results driven.
  • Assertive, solutions focused, strategic and statistically oriented.
  • Demonstrated history of consistently exceeding corporate goals.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with exceptional interpersonal skills.
  • Seven to ten years of progressive responsibility in a line or staff function of a complex manufacturing operation, with minimum of three years’ experience in managing and/or developing people.
  • Two to three years of proven results of change management preferred.
  • Ability to Travel globally up to 50% as needed.

EEO Statement:

Kyocera-AVX is an Equal Opportunity Employer:  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

contact person

Scott Seation