Regional Continuous Improvement Manager

About the role

Our people are the heart of our business. As the world’s largest provider of thermal processing services, Bodycote employs thousands of highly skilled staff around the globe, some of the best engineers, scientists, and technicians in the industry. The Regional Continuous Improvement Manager serves as champion and will drive operational excellence by leading initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency across manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, lead, facilitate, and manage Continuous Improvement projects including Kaizen events and aligned with the company`s strategic targets
• Lead the site/function’s Lean transformation with a focus on improvements to safety, quality, delivery and cost
• Train and coach managers and employees in the daily use and implementation of Lean principles
• Partner with function heads to build and maintain a culture of continuous operational improvement that permeates targeted areas of the company
• Coach/develop site functional leaders and their staffs to identify, understand and implement lean manufacturing and growth best practices
• Audit, monitor and sustain the health of the CI Lean culture by establishing and utilizing scoring systems, gap analysis, and Problem Solving to asses implemented processes and evaluate where further refinements are needed
• Partner with the corporate CI Lead and the facility or functional leader to develop and execute a kaizen roadmap and identify key metrics (KPI’s) and lead projects to achieve goals in targeted areas
• Perform regular Gemba walks including leadership and area personnel to evaluate improvement & development opportunities
• Evaluate current business practices, looking for ways to improve productivity, reduce costs, and make the best use of the business's resources

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) or equivalent from a college or university in Engineering, Business Management or a comparable field
• Minimum 2-4 years related Lean experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience with an emphasis in Lean or operational excellence
• Six Sigma and/or Lean experience or certification preferred
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing/Operational Excellence Principles, Problem Solving, 5 Why, Daily Management, 5S, SMED, TPM, Standard Work, Poke Yoke, etc. required
• Demonstrated lean management experience and results required
• Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, and coach required
• Strong leadership and change agent skills required
• Excellent team facilitation skills required
• Excellent experience and skills using Microsoft Office

Physical & Mental Demands

The following physical and mental demands consist of, but are not limited to the following. Able to travel regularly to multiple sites in the Mid-West region. Must be able to work in a standing position for extended periods of time in an industrial environment. Ability to bend, pull, stoop and reach to perform functions. Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. May be exposed to heat, fumes, noise, and humidity, etc. Must have the cognitive and mental capacity to perform essential job functions. Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Visual acuity to read documents, computer screens, files, etc. Ability to hear in person and via phone.