Position Title: Continuous Improvement Expert Consultant
Job Type: Contract to Hire (6-month contract with potential for permanent hire)
Location: Oakland, CA (Hybrid - 2-3 days onsite per week; Tuesdays mandatory)
Work Authorization: US Citizen or Green Card Holder
Job Overview:
We are seeking a seasoned Continuous Improvement Expert Consultant to join a dynamic team driving a lean transformation across a major organization. This role offers the opportunity to operate at a strategic level, coaching teams and implementing continuous improvement frameworks to foster efficiency and innovation across the enterprise.
Key Responsibilities:
Collaborate with the Lean/Process Organization to implement lean methodologies, including visual management, operating reviews, problem-solving, standard work, and waste elimination.
Act as a coach and guide for teams implementing lean principles across multiple portfolios.
Adapt lean methodologies flexibly to address unique team and business challenges, fostering accessibility and engagement.
Work closely with senior leadership to ensure alignment and progress in the lean transformation process.
Develop and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and build KPI trees to monitor performance and guide strategy.
Build balanced scorecards and create plans to achieve organizational metrics and goals.
Participate in operating reviews at the SVP level, providing insights and supporting strategic discussions.
Facilitate workshops and training sessions to drive organizational understanding and adoption of continuous improvement practices.
Top Technical Skills:
1. Lean Six Sigma Expertise (3-4 years minimum):
Experience implementing lean methodologies at a strategic, organizational level.
Ability to move beyond project-level lean implementations to coach and guide continuous improvement across an entire organization.
Lean Six Sigma certification is preferred but not required.
2. Visual Management and Operating Reviews:
Proven experience conducting visual management practices and participating in high-level operating reviews.
Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and manage priorities at an executive level.
3. KPI and Metrics Management:
Expertise in tracking and developing KPIs, including building KPI trees and balanced scorecards.
Experience with lean planning and creating actionable plans to meet organizational metrics.
Personality and Cultural Fit:
High emotional intelligence (EQ) with the ability to understand and adapt to varying team and business needs.
Multi-project orientation with excellent organizational and attention-to-detail skills.
Collaborative, flexible, and pragmatic approach to applying lean methodologies in complex environments.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on building relationships and trust.