KPO - Kaizen Promotion Officer

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make “good things, for life.” As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we’re powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there’s always a better way. We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together.

About the Role

The KPO (Kaizen Promotion Officer) program is based on a spirit of continuous improvement. The purpose of this program is to continuously improve jobs and workstations to be safer, more ergonomic and more efficient. Small improvements are emphasized in order to make changes easier to implement quickly. Improvements take place prior to, during and after implementation of a change. The program operates around the idea that “nothing is perfect, everything can be improved.” Individuals in this role must display a high level of confidence, creativity, flexibility, initiative and interpersonal skills to support a ONE team mindset and culture. The success of the program requires ongoing partnership and collaboration across all cross-functions.

Responsibilities

• Work with Operations team (Team Leaders, Supervisors, etc.) to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Study jobs to identify waste and other chances to make improvements.
• Work with operators to uncover challenges and use their feedback to ensure improvements are effective.
• Build flow racks and workstations using creaform-like materials, wood, etc.
• Use Standard Work to validate and document improvements.
• Create Job Instructions based on Standard Work for training operators.
• Periodically audit flow racks and workstations for repairs or replacement; repair or replace as needed.
• Successfully train new and existing operators as needed.
• Maintain an orderly work area and Standard Work records.

Requirements

• Ability to perform critical analysis even on one’s own work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and customer focus (operators, team leaders, etc. are our customers).
• Takes initiative without needing strict oversight.
• Open to feedback; growth takes place while learning, even from mistakes.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to take measurements, use hand and power tools.
• Problem-solving skills with a desire to discover and improve root causes.
• Creativity and ability to think outside of the box.
• Positive attitude and excellent communication skills, especially listening.
• Ability to understand and carry out detailed oral or written instructions.
• Exceptional work ethic and productive use of time.
• Prompt, consistent attendance.
• Team-oriented and works collaboratively to achieve team goals.
• High School degree, diploma, or a GED equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Basic Mechanical (120 hrs.), Welding, Electrical, and Robotics (40 hrs.) training.
• Ability to be a good student and maintain a passing grade (preferably C average or greater) with Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) and any additional qualifying training. Failure to pass required training could result in immediate disqualification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior manufacturing production experience.
• Prior knowledge of lean manufacturing practices.
• Prior experience building with creaform.
• Organizational and project management skills.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to stand, sit, bend, lift, and walk up to 10 hours per day; heavy lifting required (in excess of 25 lbs.).
• Frequent handling of various parts for assembly; frequent bending, twisting, reaching, stooping, crouching, squatting, walking, pushing/pulling, grasping, squeezing, manual dexterity, and standing for long periods.
• Must be able to work in both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled environments.
• Ability to change shifts and work overtime as required (flexible schedule including evenings and weekends).

Benefits

GE Appliances is a trust-based organization that offers flexibility to do your best work while balancing individual, team, and business needs. When you join, you and your leader will create a flexible work arrangement tailored to your role.

Our culture is centered on our People and Culture, reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy. We are committed to inclusion and diversity (I&D), fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute. This commitment strengthens our communities and reinforces a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement.