Continuous Improvement Manager

Summary

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading the CI program for all Sharp Clinical sites. This will include appropriate operational standards and procedures as they apply to business operations, industrial engineering, cost reduction, manufacturing, and facilities improvement programs by performing the essential duties and responsibilities indicated below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and implement lean/Six Sigma tools or methods including but not limited to: 5S, Kaizen events, value stream mapping, SMED, visual management techniques, metrics and KPIs, standard work, 7/8 Wastes, analysis of variance (ANOVA), control charts, DMAIC, etc.

• Identify and map current global processes to assist in harmonizing best practice and  prioritizing improvements.

• Establish and maintain reputation of Clinical CI agent of change.

• Plan, develop and execute a CI strategy for delivering tangible benefits to Sharp Clinical.

• Mentor, coach and train key staff to embed lean principles and behaviors across the culture .

• Assist in establishing project scope and goals, resource requirements and a list of deliverables as required.

• Facilitate cross-functional teams in structured problem solving (A3) activity.

• Develop new and/or revised business processes throughout the organization, from product/process concept to operations to all support activities /functions. Implementation or changes may improve process flow, methods of work, layout, tools, fixtures and/or equipment.

• Coordinate cost reductions, Project Initiation document (PID) formation and continuous improvement activities.

• Track cost savings, program updates and present to management team.

• Analyze work force utilization, facility layout, and operational data such as production costs, process flow charts, and production schedules, to determine efficient utilization of manning resources (direct and indirect) and equipment.

• Recommend methods for improving worker efficiency and reducing waste of materials and utilities such as restructuring job duties, reorganizing workflow, relocating workstations and equipment, and purchase of equipment.

• Collaborate with site stakeholders to evaluate standards for material, labor and overhead.

• Work on special projects as assigned.

• Achieve expected performance measures.

• Participate actively in regular meetings. 

• Adhere to set safety standards.

• Other duties as assigned.

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.

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, ideally in a technical discipline (ex. Industrial Engineering, Industrial Management, Mechanical Engineering, etc.) and at least five years' related experience in cGMP packaging or related industry and/or training

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or government regulations.

• Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts and operations to tasks such as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, and factor analysis.

• Ability to identify and solve practical and/or complex problems and deal with a variety of abstract and/or concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

• Demonstrated ability to work and manage effectively as a team member and independently in a fast paced environment.

• Must have the ability to work in a cross-functional, multi-site environment.

• Must be able to manage multiple projects while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness.

• Must be detail oriented and highly organized.

• Excellent communication skills to interact with the team, peers, management, and external contacts.

• Must have strong writing, grammar and proofreading skills.

• Advanced knowledge of personal computers, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Products, including Word, PowerPoint, Project, and Excel.

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.

• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and talk or hear.

• Must be able to frequently traverse through various areas of the facilities (i.e. office, operations, warehouse, etc.)

• May be required to occasionally perform repetitive actions that entail frequent bending and/or lifting.

• Prolonged periods of standing and/or walking may be required on a moderate basis.

• Constantly operate a computer, mobile phone and/or other office machinery.

• Ability to lift up to 15 lbs. at a time occasionally.

• Must be willing to travel up to 25% (domestic and international)

• Will be required to travel by automobile, plane, train or other forms of public transportation.

• Must be able to assess, navigate, and exchange accurate information to arrive at and depart from various locations to conduct business

• Ability to uphold the stress of traveling

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.