Continuous Improvement Manager

MAAG Pump Systems, Automatik Plastics Machinery, Gala Industries, Reduction Engineering Scheer, Ettlinger, AMN and Witte – seven successful and well-experienced companies have joined forces to become the global partner for the polymer industry. As a manufacturer of gear pumps, pelletizing and filtration systems and also pulverizers we offer top-grade equipment for your demanding requirements – not only for polymer applications, but also for the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.

This role will facilitate deployment and execution of Continuous Improvement (CI), Productivity and Lean strategy across the Americas facilities with the focus on monitoring and improving organizational processes with the aim of making them effective, effortless and efficient. Collaborate with local Operations leadership to focus on the continuous improvement of processes impacting the overall customer experience. This position will be measured by the successful deployment of Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing principles, and use of Advanced Statistical Tools throughout the organization to turn around and/or enhance Operational and Financial Performance at designated facilities.  This position will also be responsible for driving Transformational Processes through the diligent use of Operational Excellence Tools and Methodologies. 

Position Description - Tasks, Responsibilities, Competencies

• Drives continuous improvement activity and methodologies in material flow, organization (6S), standardization, quality, safety and delivery. As well as identifying any other metrics that will help to yield desirable results.
• Utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and business drivers to synchronize and prioritize improvement activity.
• Identify improvement areas/gaps utilizing lean tools including value stream mapping of key business processes at Maag Americas locations and lead improvement plans.
• Exceptional Training, Assessment and Coaching and Influencing skills to successfully deploy Operational Excellence Model and implement from start to finish effective Improvement Action Plans to support facilities as they embark on their Lean Journeys. 
• Experience in Value Stream/Process Mapping – Current, Future and Ideal states.
• Experience in leading and facilitating improvement initiatives in both transactional and non-transactional environments with emphasis in problem solving.
• Drive changes in process & mindset around how we organize work and deliver functionality for customers, maintaining customer-focused processes.
• Subject Matter Expert in many of the Operational Excellence Standards. 
• Ability to do effective Problem Solving – able to define "Problem Statement", engage, motivate and improve Operations across Manufacturing, Supply Chain and supporting functions. 

Education

Mandatory

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience with a strong technical affinity

Desirable

• Lean Manufacturing Certification. 
• Green Belt or Black Belt Certification desired. 
• MBA desired

Professional Experience

Mandatory

• 5 - 10 years experience in CI
• Experience managing cross-functional, mission-critical programs
• Significant experience leading transformational processes including ergonomically designed manufacturing areas including the use of automation and/or advanced tools and fixtures. 
• Superior organization, time management and prioritization. Demonstrated Project Management skills and ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously. 

Desirable

• Experience in Supply Chain Optimization: Fabrication, Machining, Electronic
• Manufacturing – Experienced in different Manufacturing Strategies including Make to Stock, Configured to Order and Engineering to Order. 

Interpersonal Skills and Behavioral Competencies

Mandatory

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Develops staff and programs
• Empowering employees to reach their full potential
• Demonstrates ownership and entrepreneurial behavior
• Innovative mindset, always looking at improving our processes
• Highly organized and efficient in approaching tasks
• Independent self-starter with ability to problem solve and anticipate and avoid issues
• Strong team player, work ethic and commitment to win
• Customer-focused with the ability to coach and mentor

Travel Frequency 

• 25% to 50% depending on activities at locations

The foundation of our success is found in Maag’s core values:

• Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Winning Through Customers
• High Ethical Standards, Openness, and Trust
• Expectation for Results
• Respect and Value People

Available benefits include:  401K, paid annual holidays, medical coverage, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and more!

We consider several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position’s responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, a candidate’s education/training, the position’s location, and the key skills needed for the position.  Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.