Afinitas
Overview
The Continuous Improvement Leader is a strategic change agent responsible for advancing and sustaining a culture of operational excellence across the organization. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify, lead, and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles and Barry Wehmiller Continuous Improvement methodologies. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with strong leadership and coaching capabilities. Responsibilities
Champion and coach global best practices in Lean, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence across the business. Apply Lean methodologies and tools to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and enhance productivity and quality. Plan, execute, and evaluate improvement projects using the Plan-Do-Check-Adjust (PDCA) cycle. Facilitate Kaizen and other CI events, such as 7S, TPM, setup reduction, and value stream/process mapping. Collaborate with stakeholders to define project goals, scope, deliverables, risks, and success metrics. Drive team member buy-in and engagement through thoughtful change management planning and execution. Lead improvement initiatives from concept through execution, ensuring timely and successful outcomes. Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and visual management tools to support data-driven decisions. Guide cross-functional teams in root cause analysis and develop actionable recommendations for performance improvement. Support standardization efforts by documenting processes, deliverables, and best practices. Deliver training and coaching on Lean tools, principles, and problem-solving techniques to team members at all levels, ensuring knowledge transfer so team members can apply skills independently. Promote and embed a continuous improvement mindset throughout the organization. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience leading Lean and continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or business environment. Proven track record of implementing successful process improvement projects. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or Project Management methodologies; certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or PMP are preferred. Excellent facilitation, coaching, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong ability to drive change by gaining buy-in and engagement of employees. Demonstrated ability to lead without authority and influence cross-functional teams. Strong knowledge of metal manufacturing processes (e.g., cutting, welding, assembly and machining), material logistics, manufacturing engineering and quality, and understanding of the interface with other support function processes. Demonstrated ability to understand and use financial data and analysis in problem solving. Promotion of team spirit and lean mindset development while providing coaching to various levels of team members through the Change Management process. Work Environment
This is an office position that spends significant time in a manufacturing facility. The employee must be able to ascend/descend stairs, stand for 4+ hours a day, hold a valid driver’s license and current passport, and be able to travel by plane. Correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the manufacturing location. Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify. Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening including drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening, and/or skills assessments. Company:
Afinitas Location:
Mediapolis, IA
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Continuous Improvement Leader is a strategic change agent responsible for advancing and sustaining a culture of operational excellence across the organization. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify, lead, and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles and Barry Wehmiller Continuous Improvement methodologies. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with strong leadership and coaching capabilities. Responsibilities
Champion and coach global best practices in Lean, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence across the business. Apply Lean methodologies and tools to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and enhance productivity and quality. Plan, execute, and evaluate improvement projects using the Plan-Do-Check-Adjust (PDCA) cycle. Facilitate Kaizen and other CI events, such as 7S, TPM, setup reduction, and value stream/process mapping. Collaborate with stakeholders to define project goals, scope, deliverables, risks, and success metrics. Drive team member buy-in and engagement through thoughtful change management planning and execution. Lead improvement initiatives from concept through execution, ensuring timely and successful outcomes. Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and visual management tools to support data-driven decisions. Guide cross-functional teams in root cause analysis and develop actionable recommendations for performance improvement. Support standardization efforts by documenting processes, deliverables, and best practices. Deliver training and coaching on Lean tools, principles, and problem-solving techniques to team members at all levels, ensuring knowledge transfer so team members can apply skills independently. Promote and embed a continuous improvement mindset throughout the organization. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience leading Lean and continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or business environment. Proven track record of implementing successful process improvement projects. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or Project Management methodologies; certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or PMP are preferred. Excellent facilitation, coaching, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong ability to drive change by gaining buy-in and engagement of employees. Demonstrated ability to lead without authority and influence cross-functional teams. Strong knowledge of metal manufacturing processes (e.g., cutting, welding, assembly and machining), material logistics, manufacturing engineering and quality, and understanding of the interface with other support function processes. Demonstrated ability to understand and use financial data and analysis in problem solving. Promotion of team spirit and lean mindset development while providing coaching to various levels of team members through the Change Management process. Work Environment
This is an office position that spends significant time in a manufacturing facility. The employee must be able to ascend/descend stairs, stand for 4+ hours a day, hold a valid driver’s license and current passport, and be able to travel by plane. Correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the manufacturing location. Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify. Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening including drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening, and/or skills assessments. Company:
Afinitas Location:
Mediapolis, IA
#J-18808-Ljbffr