Continuous Improvement Advisor

The Role

Under the general supervision of the Director of Continuous Improvement (DCI), the Regional Continuous Improvement (RCIM) Managers will oversee Regional Plants’ Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives designed to eliminate waste and non-value added activities and improve performance in Safety, Quality, Product Delivery, Cost and Inventory. This position will direct, oversee, provide guidance and act as a resource to various Plant Managers and CI teams on the selection and project management of Lean projects in an assigned JELD-WEN Region and Product Line.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• This position will lead plant leadership teams in developing the plant’s overall CI plan in alignment with the assigned JELD-WEN Product Line and corporate CI improvement teams and corporate goals and objectives.
• This leader ensures that the Plant Managers are aware of the corporate requirements and works in building an integrated regional plan that delivers both the needed results and the growth in capability (skills and culture) for sustaining CI’s of their assigned JELD-WEN product.
• This position will lead Lean projects for improvement results that can be leveraged across plants, functions, and product lines.
• Guides regional plant leadership in identifying, prioritizing and resourcing CI projects. Executes and/or leads business critical projects using lean six sigma tools while mentoring and coaching Plant CI Managers towards completion and certification of their projects. 
• Drives process improvement initiatives. Analyzes and measures the effectiveness of existing regional plant CI processes and develops sustainable, repeatable and quantifiable continuous process improvements.
• Provides process critique and feedback for their assigned region of plants, and designs procedures aimed at improving plant inefficiencies, reducing costs and variability, eliminating waste, and improving safety standards,
• Develops and implements alternative CI process improvements methodologies, programs, processes, procedures and communications in their assigned regions, plants, and product line.
• Conducts advanced data analytics, and develops sound and practical recommendations to plant managers and CI teams for improved business practices and processes focused on increased productivity and reduced cost without disregard for safety.
• Ensures that CI training, tools, best practices and resources are available to CIM’s at all levels, and they are being utilized appropriately and effectively.
• Develops and executes a communication plan to support the rollout and education on continuous improvements to their assigned plants and product lines.  
• Formulates policies and procedures to rectify root-cause analysis.
• Works regularly and closely with corporate and plant leaders (i.e. engineering, production, R&D, supply chain, quality, etc.) across the region and sites to institute best practices; identify areas for improvements and development, and establish buy-in for operational excellence initiatives required to support the regions strategic agenda and drives meaningful change wherever required. Coaches and teaches the plant management system as needed. 
• Share and reapply proven methods from other plants as appropriate. Communicate such changes in CI’s promptly to plants to ensure consistency.
• Conduct training on CI related changes as measured by KPI’s. Teach the concepts and coach CIM’s and plant personnel to see and eliminate waste.
• Works with CIM’s and Plant Management in analyzing KPI’s to make the plants better measure, visualize, analyze, improve, report and implement CI’s based upon these said indicators. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and presentation skills.  
• A demonstrated track record of implementing and managing operational excellence inititiatives and CI processes involving multiple plants in conjunction with corporate goals and objectives. 
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills up and down the organizational hierarchy to include corporate officials.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with direct reports and influence on those with whom there is not a reporting relationship.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict effectively and problem solve.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and applicable JELD-WEN software applications.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently under conditions of multiple deadlines and changing priorities.
• Travel required: 50% to 75%. 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Operations, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering required. Engineering Degree with MBA preferred. 
• Hands on experience using modern Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement methods (LEAN, TPS, SQDCI, etc.).
• Certified Lean Manager preferred.

At least five (5) to seven (7) years experience leading Lean Transformations in manufacturing operations, educating others on Lean principles and deployment planning, preferably in the door and window industry.

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