Continuous Improvement Manager at Columbia Forest Group in Mellen, Wisconsin

Job Description:

Job purpose



This position is responsible for managing, training, implementing and sustaining improvement activities at the facility. As the on-site leader of the continuous improvement program, this person will be responsible for working with production. Maintenance and plant staff to develop and implement the "Columbia Way" Production System. The person must be able to motivate others to action in order to accomplish multiple objectives with a sense of urgency without hampering morale. This person will be required to develop a deep understanding of the Lean Systems and Tools (Columbia Way) and to be able to train others to standard in lean systems and tools. The position will be a substantially equal mix of training others and personally leading initiatives.


Duties and responsibilities



Specific responsibilities include the following listed. Other duties may be assigned.


Possess a thorough understanding and working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, electronic and engineering processes.


Conduct economic analyses, feasibility studies, and payback for capital projects related to the Columbia Way improvements. Be deeply involved with installation, modification, operating procedure of these projects.


Initiate or recommend initiatives geared at reducing operating costs, labor costs, and re-work costs. Work closely with production supervisors, maintenance, and other key plant personnel on such activities.


Monitor adherence to Columbia Way policies, practices, and methods, recommending or implementing means to correct deviations. This includes methods used to track and report key production data.


Communicate regularly with other plants' CIMs and any corporate positions having Columbia Way implementation responsibility, including generating and delivering any necessary progress reports.


Recommend annual budget items, such as capital and manning, as it related to upcoming improvements in production costs.


Instruct employees of all levels in concepts listed below, as well as use these same tools as an integral part of the CIMs duties. These are examples of more predominant tools, but other Columbia Way tools will be involved as well.


8 Wastes


5S/Visual Controls


Standard Work


Problem Solving (C-4, 5-Why, etc.)


Value Stream Mapping


Job Instruction


Job Methods


Job Relations


Performance Counseling


Team Facilitation Skills



S
upervisory Responsibilities



May have responsibility for one or more employees, either permanently or on a temporary basis, to assist in carrying out the primary duties of the CIM.



Qualifications



To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, and JOB SKILLS


Four-year degree is preferred. Significant related experience will be considered as a substitute.


Lean Course/Tools Certification. To be completed as an initial part of the job assignment. Successful completion is required to continue in the position.


3-5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment


Minimum 2 years' experience personal involvement in a Lean Production environment


Minimum 1 year experience in a supervisory role


Strong leadership/people skills: conflict resolution, organization, scheduling, etc.


Self-directed, able to lead and work safely in a fast-paced team environment


Must be self-motivated, goal oriented, and results driven.


LANGUAGE SKILLS


Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from regulatory agencies. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors as well as hourly employees.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS


Ability to work with advanced mathematical concepts. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.


REASONING ABILITY


Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.


WORK ENVIRONMENT


The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is often loud with many areas requiring hearing protection during operation.