Process Improvement Manager - Lithonia GA

Purpose of the Position:

• The Process Improvement Manager (internally: GPS (Griffith Production System] Manager) is responsible for Supply Chain current processes improvement, capacity, and efficiency standards and KPI definitions.
• The Process Improvement (GPS) Manager is also responsible for the overall process standardization to continuously improve cost competitiveness while supporting a sustainable operation via employee safety, ergonomics and planet care metrics.
• This position is responsible for analyzing, identifying and leading the implementation of changes that drive detectable and measurable improvements while driving lean culture through the organization.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

• Leads implementation of GPS/Lean Enterprise Management system across the Manufacturing Plant, including Daily Management System, Leader Standard Work, Kaizen Activities, Gemba Walks, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Responsible for achieving multi-million-dollar cost reductions on an annual basis through GPE process.
• Responsible for the implementation and management of Operational Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) tracking across the plant, with a year-over-year improvement of 10%.
• Responsible for implementation and management of One Kaizen a Month (OKAM) philosophy to drive operator engagement and ownership to facilitate incremental improvements in the manufacturing plant.
• Execute Productivity Improvements utilizing existing equipment and facilities to maximize internal capacity and reduce manufacturing cost per pound and manufacturing costs as a percentage of sales.
• Identifies areas for standardizing processes and equipment to be utilized across US Manufacturing Plants.
• Coordinates and facilitates 5S, SMED, VSM and Lean Manufacturing projects as needed.
• Analyze the production flow with the objective of identifying the 7 waste and implement the actions to eliminate the losses.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend equipment and/or software technologies to drive process automation and cost improvement.
• Assist Engineering team with financial justifications of Capital Investment Projects.
• Develop processes/visual displays to effectively communicate real time operational performance vs targets and historical performance.
• Manages and maintains the reporting of Productivity Metrics, KPI’s, and Scorecards for Manufacturing Plant
• Coordinates plant Kaizen Events & Ideation Sessions including project funnel and progress tracking.

Scope:

• Responsibilities will have a direct influence on our ability to improve overall operations efficiencies in order to achieve operating income goals and strong influence in securing the long-term business competitiveness.
• This position is responsible for contributing to GPE and overall manufacturing cost per pound budgets 
• Staffing includes management of 1 to 2 GPS Coordinator and/or Utility within the site to assist with driving GPS activities in the plant.

Problem Solving/Decision Making:

• The position requires strong problem-solving skills.
• The Process Improvement Engineer must collaborate effectively with plant operators to achieve agreement and buy-in for process changes and new equipment/technology.
• The candidate must manage multiple priorities simultaneously, while driving projects to completion.
• The Process Improvement Engineer must communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization and identify team members’ capabilities and limitations.

Working Relationships:

Internal

• Reports to Plant Manager with dotted line to US Process Improvement Manager
• Works closely with internal Plant Management, Supply Chain, Quality Systems, IT, and Engineering teams
• Work Globally with Lean Director and members of GFNA Community of Practice Team.

External

• Lean Consultants as required
• Hardware, Software, and Equipment Vendors as related to Capital Projects

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 5-10 years related experience in Food Manufacturing facilities, 5 years in Continuous Improvement roles in implementing CI programs – preferably lean manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training or certification strongly preferred.
• Experience with RedZone Productivity and Compliance modules a plus
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively with plant leaders and associates to achieve agreement and buy-in for process changes, work standards and new equipment/technology.

Work Environment:

• Typical office environment
• Job will require time spent in the Manufacturing and Warehouse areas, requiring proper PPE – lab coat, ear plugs, safety glasses, hair nets, and hard hat.
• Occasionally able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Minimal travel, up to 10%, may be required.
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