Specialist Continuous Improvement presso Roechling Automotive
Roechling Automotive · Akron, Stati Uniti d'America · Onsite
- Professional
- Ufficio in Akron
Job Details
Description
The Continuous Improvement Specialist plays a critical role in driving operational efficiency, quality, and performance across the plant by leading Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence (1OX) initiatives. This position is responsible for identifying and eliminating waste, optimizing work processes through time studies and line balancing, and implementing sustainable corrective actions. Acting as a key liaison between the plant and regional OpEx leadership, the specialist ensures alignment with corporate strategies, supports training and development in CI methodologies, and tracks measurable improvements. Through structured analysis, hands-on problem solving, and proactive project execution, the role supports the plant’s goals for productivity, cost savings, and a culture of continuous improvement.
| Lean & Operational Excellence Implementation: Drive plant-specific 1OX (Operational Excellence) continuous improvement projects in alignment with the corporate 1OX implementation roadmap. Support timely and successful implementation of identified improvement actions/projects. Escalate issues promptly to the Plant Manager and/or functional supervisor when needed. Act as the key contact for regional OpEx Leaders, facilitating communication and coordination. Cascade and deliver training sessions on OpEx methods, acting as a trainer per corporate training strategies. | |||||||||||
| Value Stream & Process Analysis: Analyze value streams to identify non-value-added steps and streamline operations. Audit material consumption, machine cycle times, and internal material flow to identify improvement opportunities. Identify and document all process steps, then prepare and perform detailed time studies. Classify time into Process, Walking, and Idling categories and calculate averages for accurate performance analysis. | |||||||||||
| Work Cell Optimization & Line Balancing: Conduct line balancing to distribute workloads evenly across work cells. Calculate applicable takt times and determine the number of workstations needed for optimal performance. | |||||||||||
| Corrective Actions & Problem Solving: Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions. Communicate both issues and solutions with internal and external experts. Track progress daily and follow up on task completion. Participate in and lead problem-solving sessions and 5S initiatives. | |||||||||||
| Continuous Improvement Monitoring: Measure the effectiveness of work cells and implemented solutions. Perform regular work cell audits to uncover further improvement opportunities. Maintain and update the Kaizen Communication Board and workstation documents. Actively support the implementation of approved Associate Improvement Ideas. | |||||||||||
| Savings Tracking & Reporting: Track the potential and realized savings from actions/projects to support the achievement of planned targets. Support data gathering efforts for bonus systems and incentive tracking. Provide regular project status updates and report findings to the Kaizen Manager and other stakeholders. | |||||||||||
| Quality, Safety & Data Security: Ensure that all tasks are executed in a manner that supports quality, safety, environmental, and data security standards. Encourage a culture of quality management through active participation in training, continuous education, and team leadership. Managers and supervisors must exemplify and uphold these standards across their teams and departments. | |||||||||||
| Other Duties: Complete all assigned tasks and “To Dos” within designated timelines and budgets. Perform other duties as required in support of continuous improvement and operational excellence objectives. |
Qualifications
| Experience in Automotive industry/ maufacturing industry | ||||||||||
| Experience in international context | ||||||||||
| Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and the 1OX framework. | ||||||||||
| Experience conducting time studies, line balancing, and process improvement initiatives. | ||||||||||
| Effective communication and leadership skills, including experience delivering training. | ||||||||||
| Understanding of customer-specific requirements (CSR), either through training, work experience, or both. | ||||||||||
| Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and drive results. |
