Continuous Improvement Manager

About Us

Freeman is a global leader in events, on a mission to redefine live for a new era. With a data-driven approach and the industry's largest network of experts, Freeman's insights shape exhibitions, exhibits, and events that drive audiences to action. The integrated full-service solutions leverage a 96-year legacy in event management as well as new technologies to deliver moments that matter.

Summary

As a Continuous Improvement Manager, you'll be an instrumental part of the Business Operations team which is responsible for supporting and/or leading critical business or process re-engineering and diagnostic efforts across the shared services functions within Freeman. Reporting to the Director, Business Operations; Strategic Initiatives, you'll need to use your lean manufacturing, analytical skills, and project management experience to facilitate continuous improvement projects that enable Freeman to transform how we plan, forecast, manage, and distribute inventory in service to modernizing our supply chain, transportation, and logistics / operational capabilities. This role will collaborate closely with similar roles embedded in our business operating divisions, ensuring our shared services and field operations have aligned lean strategies, priorities, and processes. This role will support and lead efforts around identifying, planning, developing and implementing quality and continuous improvement practices that deliver improved service, lower costs, improved quality, and ensuring reliability/consistency, with scalability.

This position will support our Business Operations team. It is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in-office and/or show site 1-2 days per week. The ideal candidate will be based out of any of the following locations:

• Chicago, IL
• Dallas, TX
• Las Vegas, NV
• Orlando, FL

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, lead and oversee priority projects (that drive cost reduction, operational efficiency, improved customer service, and/or better controls) as outlined by the strategic objectives of the organization. Aid in the identification of new projects to add to the pipeline.
• Performs evaluations and experiments and collects data to support changes in products/process.
• Analyzes existing processes, procedures, and methods to ensure and promote effective business and systems operations through standardization, improvement, simplification, discontinuance, or other possible methods.
• Analyze bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement through data analysis, observations, and stakeholder input
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders and management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and achieve operational excellence.
• Facilitate mapping sessions and Kaizen events to understand workflow complexities and generate innovative solutions that optimize process flow, reduce process or product variability and costs, improve process capability, and improve employee safety.
• Document revised processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices.
• Monitor and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of implemented changes.
• Scope and manage projects day-to-day
• Other duties as assigned

Education & Experience

• Relevant certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt)
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience working in a business environment, with at least 5 years Continuous Improvement and/or Quality experience of applying problem-solving methodology.
• Experience driving improvements within Supply Chain functions - Inventory Management, Demand & Supply Planning, and Transportation
• Proven ability applying Lean Six Sigma tools with measurable results.
• A3 Thinking, Hoshin Kanri, Kaizen event planning and facilitating
• Process and Value stream mapping
• Strong computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google applications) with eagerness to learn new tools & technology (ex: CoPilot)
• Strong math/computational skills (analytical problem solving)
• Professional communicator/presenter/facilitator
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and accurate
• Self-starter with ability to work autonomously and within team structures
• Ability to influence, inspire, and motivate other personnel including when no direct reporting relationship exists

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Required

Travel Requirements

Travel 25% to 50%

What We Offer

Freeman provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, Accident and Disability
• Retirement with Company Match
• Paid Time Off

Diversity Commitment

At Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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