Continuous Improvement Director, NA

Summary

Under the general supervision of the VP of Operations, the Continuous Improvement Director for NA is responsible for driving the implementation and use of the company’s global continuous improvement program, “SOME” (Sungro Operations Model for Excellence), across all Sungro locations to drive out cost, improve efficiencies and achieve a mindset of business excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Builds and drives the implementation of the SOME program and initiatives that strive toward business excellence
• Builds a preventive Maintenance Program within the SOME model covering CMMS, stores standards, spare parts and defined PM plans for each piece of equipment.
• Builds Benchmark metrics and tracking systems for the operations function to drive continuous improvement
• Coach and facilitate improvement activities focused on transactional processes in alignment with corporate SOME strategy and deployment goals.
• Effectively coaches and supports local SOME team plant-based employees to instill a continuous Improvement mindset
• Leads SOME projects/Kaizen events for improvement results that can be leveraged globally across sites, functions, and product lines.
• Ensures that SOME training, tools, assessments, and resources are available to employees at all levels and are being utilized appropriately and effectively.
• Collaborates and executes communication plans to support the rollout and education on continuous improvements and best practices across plants and functions.
• Provide progress reporting on improvements. Track results to strategic plans and KPI’s.
• Be proficient in guiding root-cause analysis (A3 Problem Solving). Lead or coach focused improvement activities and teams to improve results like safety, quality, delivery, cost and inventory.
• Focus areas: Visual Management for Transactional processes, standard work, SIOP or IBP, Material Pull systems and Inventory
• Utilize and facilitate Value Stream Mapping, process flow charts, Material Pull techniques, RACI and other SOME tools to recommend and facilitate modifications in workflow.
• Facilitate and co-facilitate various CI related workshops and training events.
• Work across business practices to remove barriers and streamline processes by understanding internal and external customer requirements.
• Works with the NA Operations Directors, in analyzing key performance indicators to ensure improvement efforts are strategically aligned and adding value to the bottom line.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations or equivalent education and experience as determined by management.
• Previous multi-site experience preferred
• Bilingual English and French preferred
• Previous experience working within an in structured corporate continuous improvement model
• Demonstrated experience as a cultural change agent
• Hands-on experience using modern Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement methods (LEAN, TPM, Kanban, TPI, A3,5S Six Sigma etc.).
• Certified Lean Manager preferred. Six Sigma Green Belt or higher preferred.
• At least three (3) to fivyearsyears’ experience leading Lean Transformations, educating others on Lean principles and deployment planning.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Transactional processes: Quote to cash, Sales generation, product development, marketing, finance/accounting, procurement/supply chain process improvement techniques.
• Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking to processes to develop, recommend and implement strategies and programs that address company objectives.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills up and down the organization
• hierarchy to include corporate offices.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with direct reports and influence on those with whom there is not a reporting relationship.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and applicable SunGro software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently under conditions of multiple deadlines and changing priorities.
• Ability to travel 50% as SUNGRO is a global company.