Lean Champion Job in West Plains 65775, Missouri Us
Armstrong Wood Products is searching for a Lean Manager to lead the plant in a multi-year journey to Lean excellence. You will partner with the Plant Management team in identifying Lean improvement opportunities and lead, manage and execute projects from conception through to completion. This is a highly visible role, driving significant millions of dollar expense reductions and plant optimization activities.
If you enjoy hands-on work in transformation manufacturing operations, understand what it takes to work hand in hand with plant leaders and have a passion for helping production people take up the charter for change, then this is a great career next step for you. Moreover, for your next challenge after this work is optimized, are many career opportunities in our Global Lean Center of Excellence as well as in manufacturing operations leadership roles.
Responsibilities:
- Co-lead the Location Lean Steering Committee with the Plant Manager in identifying activities, values, select Kaizen events and ensure proper resourcing and preparation for those events.
- Link Lean activities to the business objectives and developing a site transformation plan in collaboration with the site management team.
- Develop and maintain detailed process maps, metrics, and control plans for the key manufacturing processes.
- Manage a Kaizen Promotion Office (KPO) to perform pre-event training, prepare the plant for events, develop and implement a communication plan, conduct post event follow-up and auditing of results, assure prompt delivery of required supplies and materials, and mentor KPO team members.
- Build and maintain the foundation for continuous improvement by ensuring the effective functioning of transformation activities aligned to a Lean Operating System.
- Teach Lean tools to all levels of the organization (Kaizen, 5S, TPM, Set-up reduction, Standard Work, Visual Management, SQDC boards, MDI, etc.).
- Assume the role of consultant, participant, and/or lead on Kaizen events.
- Foster a culture of moving forward in a change environment and continuously assuring buy-in and ownership at all levels.
- Acting as the plant's internal 5-S calibration expert.
- Maintaining overall program tracking for impact and cultural improvements.
- Visit other locations for benchmarking and training.
- Approximately 20% travel will be necessary
Required Qualifications:
- BS - Engineering or Operations Management, or related field is required.
- Seven or more years experience in plant leadership.
- Strong change management skills and experience.
- At least two (2) successful transformational experiences where Lean was used as part of the catalyst and foundation for the change- either in focused transformational leadership role or as part of the Senior Operating team driving the change. Demonstrated impact that translated to clear, bottom line performance results with step-function change.
- Formal Lean training from an "academy" organization - either through direct consulting experience (i.e. Shingijutsu, TBM) or via organizations with deep, well-established lean operating systems (Toyota, Danaher, etc)
- Personal experience in leading more than 75 Kaizen events.
- Proven success designing and meeting KPI goals, including reducing supply chain costs, improving through-put, shortening cycle time, and improving inventory turns.
Desired Qualifications:
- A Lean certification and an MBA would be real assets in this work
- Three or more years experience managing procurement and 2 or more years experience managing logistics in a manufacturing environment
About the Location:
Our West Plains Plant employs approximately 290 people working multiple shifts. The plant manufactures ¾" solid hardwood flooring and is the third largest manufacturer in the area. West Plains, located in the "Heart of the Ozarks", is where you'll find breathtaking scenery, abundance of outdoor activities, big city conveniences, entertainment and amenities, all with the appeal of small town values and charms. A thriving job market, affordable housing and quality educational institutions like the Missouri State University branch at West Plains makes West Plains ideal. Recreational opportunities include outdoor activities in the Mark Twain National Forest, over 300 miles of floatable streams, 125 miles of hiking trails, and many gristmills. West Plains is also within easy access to lakes Bull Shoals, Norfork and Lake of the Ozarks for water recreation.
About Us:
Established in 1860, Armstrong World Industries, Inc. is a multi-billion dollar global leader in the design and manufacture of floors, ceilings and cabinets with a focus on innovation, design and environmental sustainability. Based in Lancaster, PA, Armstrong serves both the residential and commercial markets operating plants and distribution centers in eight countries with over 9,000 employees worldwide.
If you are looking for a company that values your contributions, rewards great talent, and has a never-ending desire to be the best, then you have come to the right place!
Additional Information:
- Travel Percentage: 20%
