Main Purpose of Job: To establish and maintain a continuous improvement culture across two Viant Facilities, utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodology and creating transparency to monitor progress. In this role you will develop a common and consistent approach to continuous improvement and strategy. This position will lead, grow and develop the Operational Excellence culture. As a member of the Laconia, NH Leadership Team, you will provide leadership, training and support to the Sites in an effort to achieve “Best-in-Class” performance.

This position will be supporting 2 Viant Medical locations: Laconia, NH (home base) and Grand Rapids, MI with 25% travel quarterly.

Main Job Responsibilities:

• Continuous Improvement Responsibilities
• Partnering with Business Unit Leaders to grasp goals and improvement needs in order to define a course of action
• Develop and deploy the annual facility Continuous Improvement Plan, consistent with the Hoshin Planning cycle and Corporate Continuous Improvement Plan
• Lead the training of the site in Lean Enterprise principles, ensuring solid working knowledge of how to apply these tools & techniques to achieve process improvements in the manufacturing & office environment
• Apply a “train the trainer” approach to progressively educate managers, supervisors and cell leaders to conduct independent Lean initiatives.
• Manage the kaizen funnel of continuous improvement opportunities and ensure the organization is utilizing kaizen to achieve real and sustainable results.
• Lead the delivery of significant, quantifiable, annualized cost savings. Take accountability for the success of identified cost reduction. Drive cost reduction efforts through cycle time reduction, process improvement, setup reduction, etc.
• Facilitate the effective communication and change management processes across the facility.
• Implement tools and metrics to improve visibility to operational health and lean performance.
• Responsible for driving Operational Margin Expansion Improvement projects across the site.
• Lead the Site deployment of Lean Daily Management that collection and monitoring of this information is meaningful in the identification of areas requiring process improvement or corrective action.
• Lead problem solving efforts both internally and externally, working closely with customers and QA on internal and external corrective and preventive actions
• Partner with Supply Chain Management in the development of partnerships with suppliers and maximizing the use of VMI programs, Kanbans, and consignment inventory with key customers
• Assist Finance in tracking the financial impact and benefits of Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, establishing metrics consistent with Lean Thinking

Position Requirements:

Education/Certification:

• An undergraduate degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology or Business is required
• A Lean Practitioner with 7+ years of experience and a ‘hands-on’ track record of implementing successful Lean/Toyota Production System (TPS) fundamentals including elements such as: Value stream mapping, visual management, 5S, standard work, daily management / metric boards, stand-up meetings, and project funnel coordination.
• Green or Black Belt preferred

Experience

• 3-5 years of management or supervision experience a plus
• Experience in a “Made-to-Order” product environment a plus
• Demonstrated experience in training individuals from the operator to manager level in the identification of wastes and deployment of problem-solving methodologies

Skills/Competencies

• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, statistical and mathematical abilities and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with all levels of the organization, from operators to VPs
• Experience in cost-conscious, regulated manufacturing environments (medical, automotive, consumer electronics, appliances) considered a plus
• The ability to handle highly confidential information in an appropriate manner
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with and positively influence leadership and all levels of the organization.
• A well-rounded problem solver who can look site-wide to integrate and streamline systems for optimal benefit.
• Passion for driving improvement and leading change.
• Proven track record for developing, training, and coaching teams.
• Great communicator, including solid written, oral and presentation skills.
• Able to drive continuous improvement in both non-operational and operational areas, including connecting the cross-functional resources to remove waste along the extended value steams.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, and Power Point. As well as Minitab.

Physical Requirements

• Light work: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects.
• Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment as required including:
  • Protective eyewear
  • Protective gowning (i.e: Hairnet, Safety Shoes covers, Gown/Apron, Safety Glasses, gloves)