Lean Coordinator

3403 Charlotte Ave, Elkhart, Indiana 46517-1150

About the Role

We’re Here to Move the World Forward. Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day through technology that helps feed the growing population, supplies reliable energy and access to renewables, enhances connectivity, and creates a sustainable future. Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity, and invests in employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and coach Lean events, coordinate Lean activities, act as a liaison between teams, support groups, management, and other functional areas, removing obstacles that may affect team performance
• Support Lean-related metrics and measures, help develop visual boards, and communicate data to relevant team members
• Prepare and deliver weekly/monthly updates to the Leadership team on progress made through data-driven improvements
• Partner with Engineering teams to understand processes, machine requirements, standard metrics, and capacity capabilities
• Establish credibility as a knowledgeable resource to assist in driving continuous improvement through trusted and respectful changes
• Provide Lean training to all stakeholders in operations and management teams
• Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities with site leadership to develop event funnel
• Help develop and sustain a Continuous Improvement Culture
• Plan, coordinate, and lead Kaizen events and 5S activities to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and overall operational performance
• Use judgment and decision-making skills while comparing relative cost and benefit potential
• Help identify employee/distribution center training needs
• Facilitate discussions with the intent of reaching consensus
• Organize and manage multiple, simultaneous priorities and meet aggressive deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in a relevant field or Associate’s Degree with 3+ years of experience, or 5+ years of relevant Lean experience
• A demonstrated understanding of Lean principles and methodology
• The ability to motivate, develop, and direct people without having authority over them
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, planning skills, and attention to detail with accuracy
• Ability to schedule daily workload without supervision or direction
• Excellent communication skills (written and presentation) to effectively communicate with all levels of the workforce and management
• Ability to travel domestically up to 25% on an annual basis
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Qualifications

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Six Sigma Methodology
• Lean Certification
• A solid understanding of the Shingo Methodology
• Previous operations or engineering experience in a manufacturing setting
• Proven facilitation/coaching skills of Improvement events, Standard Work events, SMED events, Root cause problem solving, manufacturing, and administrative value stream improvement projects
• Demonstrated commitment to learning through Lean readings and available training and educational opportunities
• A working knowledge of advanced Microsoft applications such as Visio, PowerPoint, Access, and SharePoint

Working Environment and Physical Efforts

• Exposure to hazards that may exist within manufacturing and shipping areas, including chemical vapors, smoke, dust, frozen water, and noise over 80 decibels
• Work is primarily performed in a manufacturing plant, with some office work; the incumbent will move around different areas of the plant
• Must follow safety rules and use personal protective equipment, including metatarsal safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety vests
• May require domestic travel to other company facilities and offsite locations to support the Lean initiative
• Must lift parts and inspect equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Must move throughout the plant, including accessing areas by stairs where elevators are unavailable
• May require standing and moving around the site for up to 80% of the shift
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing; reaching hands and arms above shoulder height may be required
• Must be able to drive around the plant and to Lean events
• Must demonstrate acceptable vision by passing the driver’s license eye test for either Nebraska or Iowa; otherwise, vision will be assessed by the Safety Department

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services, and more