Hybrid Continuous Improvement Specialist bei Volm Companies

Job Title:              Continuous Improvement Specialist         

Reports to:         Continuous Improvement Director

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for the implementation and upkeep of Lean and Continuous Improvements solutions across multiple sites and disciplines throughout Volm Companies. The Continuous Improvement Specialist will work closely with all areas of manufacturing to assess the effectiveness of production processes and recommend improvements based on Lean methodology.

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Essential Duties

• Lead the implementation of improvement strategies, enabling the Volm Companies organization to achieve Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) targets
• Assist in defining organizational Value Streams with end-to-end metrics and frequent feedback loops
• Support organizational Value Streams in defining and implementing short- and long-term strategies and action plans in achieving SQDC key performance indicators
• Lead Kaizen events utilizing cross-functional teams
• Develop, lead, and coach the organization on all aspects of Lean systems to achieve targeted performance improvement goals across the organization
• Train and coach, all team members in Lean/Continuous Improvement to create a self-sustaining culture of continuous improvement across organizational Value Streams and multiple sites
• Take a hands-on approach in the successful deployment of Lean methodologies across the organization
• Implement, monitor, and maintain a robust, standardized 6S system among multiple sites and disciplines
• Equip the organization through training and education to create a culture of continuous improvement
• Train leaders in the organization in Lean Management and Lean leadership
• Effectively develop and communicate information on Lean efforts within the organization
• Responsible for implementation of standardized, best practice solutions across multiple sites and disciplines

Required Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to provide leadership and identify opportunities for development to accomplish the company goals and objectives. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to ensure safe, clear, and effective performance of job duties.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to remain composed and focused under pressure in a fast-paced work environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Proficiency in material and resource planning systems, spreadsheets, word processing, and other applicable software, especially Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities with the capacity to interpret and act on data and figures.
• Excellent listening and negotiation skills with a focus on constructive dialogue and resolution.

Education and Experience

• Knowledge of business operations and manufacturing systems normally acquired by the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Operations, Engineering, or a related field and/or equivalent work experience
• Proficiency in Lean methods through developing and implementing Lean systems or a minimum of 5 years of related experience in a manufacturing environment
• Manufacturing/Operations management experience preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods of time.
• Capability to lift and carry objects of various weights up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Proficiency in using hands, fingers, and arms for tasks such as typing and writing.
• Sufficient visual acuity to read documents and recognize details at close and distant ranges.
• Ability to hear and understand verbal communication.
• Flexibility to bend, stoop, and reach low or high objects.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects.
• Adaptability to work in varying environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes, noise, dust, or fumes, depending on the nature of the job.
• Willingness to adhere to safety protocols and wear protective gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety shoes, as required by the job.

Company Culture & Values

• A Commitment to Our Purpose (COMMITTED PEOPLE) – Our mission is to serve and build up our customers, suppliers, communities, and each other, guided by the principles of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The commitment to serving and building up is easily seen in those employees that exemplify this value.
• Without Our Customers We Are Nothing (CUSTOMER FIRST) – We realize that we are blessed to serve our customers and without them, our company does not exist.  They rely on us for their success and that is a responsibility we cannot take lightly.  Our focus must be on serving them with as seamless communication and access to products as possible.
• Kind, Humble and Positive (HUMBLE) – These positive traits do not mean being a doormat to others.  But when a person is kind, humble and positive it comes through in their genuine caring for those around them.
• A Desire For “Expert” (EXPERTS) – Our people want to be seen as the experts in their specific roles.  From how we convert a bag efficiently and with highest quality, to knowledge of the product portfolio, to desiring to know more about tax or human resource policy – the desire for “expert” drives us in each of our roles.
• Intentional Growth – Developing of Self and Others (PERSONAL GROWTH)– Times, tools, and customer expectations change.  Our team members are interested in developing themselves and those around them.   We know that a stronger team is one that makes our customers and our fellow employees happier.
• Strong Work Ethic (HARD WORKERS) – The commitment to serve those around us is honorable and we respond to this by putting our strongest effort into that purpose.
• High Expectations of Self and Others (HIGH EXPECTATIONS) – We expect ourselves, and those around us, to put in our best effort.  When others struggle, we help them align towards perfection.  When we struggle, we are open and humble to hear it and course-correct accordingly.
• If It Isn’t Safe, We Don’t Do It (SAFETY) – All people deserve to return home to their loved ones safely and work in an environment where they can best execute their tasks safely.  When choosing between safety and profit, safety and efficiency, safety and feelings, safety, and “x” – we choose safety.

Travel Requirements 

This position requires occasional overnight travel and occasional travel within the workday.   

Driver Qualification

The ability to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle on behalf of the company preferred. Inclusion in the company’s driver qualification program is required to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle. 

Becoming a qualified driver includes:

• Agree to the company driving policies that apply to company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle as applicable.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver license and be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record, as evidenced by completion of a baseline motor vehicle record check and ongoing monitoring.
• When driving a personal vehicle on behalf of the company, must provide a copy of the declaration page from personal auto insurance that shows the policy dates and minimum coverage amounts ($300,000 bodily injury per accident/$100,000 property damage per accident or if driving less than 5 hours/200 miles a year $50,000 bodily injury per accident/$10,000 property damage per accident or the state minimum, whichever is more). This requirement is initially and then annually thereafter.

This job description is intended as a general outline of the primary responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities that may be required. The employer reserves the right to modify, add, or remove any responsibilities, duties, or activities as deemed necessary with or without notice. 

Volm Companies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and other protected characteristics. If you require reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job, please inform us and we will work with you to address your needs.

Benefits

As a family-owned and operated company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. We offer a strong foundation of benefits, including access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, an HSA employer contribution, and a 401k with profit sharing to secure your future. To support your overall well-being and family life, we offer additional benefits beyond the core package, such as paid vacation, wellness stipends, childcare reimbursement assistance, and much more. We are committed to continuously enhancing our benefits to meet the evolving needs of our team.