Lean Manufacturing - Operational Excellence Specialist

"An Equal Opportunity Employer”  It is the policy of North American Stamping Group to provide employment, training, promotion, and other conditions of Employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or status as a qualified individual with a disability or other status protected by law.

GENERAL SUMMARY
Supports implementation of TQPS principles and knowledge within NASG, enabling facilities to achieve significant business results by implementing the lean tools to remove waste.  In addition to the utilization of the four capabilities of the operationally outstanding with respect to leadership in excellent process design, effective problem solving, knowledge sharing, and mentoring.   

Leads events and workshops to deploy and transfer knowledge of the lean tools to move process performance closer to the ideal state (True North). Through coaching and mentoring, the division Operational Excellence Specialist works with leadership to teach & mentor TQPS principles in their subordinates, ensuring sustainability and continuous improvement.  This position is responsible to lead and support deployment activities for their facility or function.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
A.    Support assigned facility(s) while executing the TQPS deployment plan.
1.    Support the development, implementation, and direction of the divisional or functional TQPS strategy together with manager(s).
2.    Leads and facilitates relevant team member training and development in coordination with HR.
3.    Assist in the facilitation of TQPS activities & training on an ongoing basis while coaching / mentoring TQPS Group Leaders, TQPS Team Leaders, and leadership.
4.    Ensures compliance with EH&S, Quality, and TQPS guidelines during all training, workshops, and events.
B.    Application, implementation, and promotion of ALL the TQPS principles & methodologies.
C.    Support & promote engagement of all Team Members relating to all aspects of the TQPS principles & methodologies and other areas as delegated.
1.    Gather data as needed to assist in the development of P-D-C-A implementation plans. 
D.    Identify & make recommendations for reducing waste and improving efficiency.
E.    Coordinate & participate in maintaining the TQPS principles for NASG.
F.    Promote team building through consensus while improving Team Member morale and relationships.
G.    Assist in developing standardized work, to include data gathering and implementation to streamline all tasks in conjunction with TQPS / NASG standard operating procedures.
H.    Participate on the safety committee as requested.  
I.    Ensure proper documentation of all activities relating to maintaining & implementing TQPS.
1.    Updates of duties and tasks/responsibilities will be reported out as requested.
J.    Coach and develop the A.I. team’s mentor and leader to support TQPS principles & methodologies. 
1.    Ensure all pre-specified documents are posted at Work centers and / or Key Process Indicators (KPI) on 2 Sided boards as requested. (e.g. A.I. Story Board)
2.    Maintain TQPS training material, Kanbans, training records, and supplies (e.g. 5S Cart).
K.    Assist in TQPS training classes.
1.    Assist team leaders & facilitators in A.I. meetings.
L.    A.I. suggestions tracking for submitted and implemented ideas.
1.    Data collection and reporting for suggestions.
2.    Assist in development of before & after’s for implemented suggestions.
M.    Execute & assist with Tangible Cost Savings (TCS).
1.    Mentoring the TCS process and review cost savings to ensure they are correct and precise containing supporting evidence in alignment with the swimlane process map.
2.    Assist and mentor in data collection.
N.    Coach and mentor 5S audits.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS
Education:
•    High School diploma required.
•    Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
•    Lean / Six Sigma - Green / Black Belt certification preferred.

Experience:
•    Minimum 1-year related manufacturing experience.
•    Working knowledge and experience in the application of lean principles preferred.
•    Strong leadership skills with a developable mentality. 

Personal / Technical Skills:
•    Will have the ability to work a schedule that allows completion of the job on a daily basis.
•    Organizational skills necessary to manage multiple tasks.
•    Ability to promote engagement in a team environment as a natural leader.
•    Sense of urgency making improvements with consensus.
•    Organizational skills necessary to maintain company records in compliance with all the NASG / TQPS systems and procedures.
•    Demonstrate & promote a "hands-on" approach toward continuous improvement.
•    Must possess humility to learn new processes and techniques.
•    Must be data-driven and possess a high level of attention to detail, accuracy, and data analysis.
•    Demonstrate & promote a "Must Go See" environment with a "Want To" attitude for improvement.
•    Maintain an open mind to team members suggestions and encourage use of the NASG suggestion program.
 

Language Skills:
•    Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language (English used in U.S. and Canada) used in the workplace.
•    Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and Executive team.

Computer/Software:
•    Solid working knowledge and demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, etc.).
•    Working knowledge and experience with ERP / MRP software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS
Office:  Open office environment, moderate noise level.

Plant:  Various types of manufacturing environments.
•    Standard automotive plant environment with a moderate noise level.
•    PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as safety glasses, safety shoes, arm protection, hand protection, hearing protection, etc. may be required in designated engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas.  Personal attire standards may apply.
•    Involves moderate or occasional presence of some slightly disagreeable conditions, i.e., cold, dust, heat, odor, etc.

Travel: 
•    Must be willing to travel up to 15% of the time, or as needed.
 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Although the primary job functions involve the ability to sit and work on a computer and in an office situation for extensive periods of time, the associate must be capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time. The associate is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms; and talk, see, and hear. The associate is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The associate must frequently lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and infrequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

DISCLAIMER
This job description is intended to identify the general nature and level of work performed by associates within this classification, as well as certain essential job functions.  It is not intended, and should not be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice, based on operational needs.  To qualify for this job, however, an associate must be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  Under no circumstances may this job description be construed as altering the at-will nature of the employment relationship between NASG and any associate.

North American Stamping Group is a drug-free and smoke-free workplace.