Continuous Improvement Manager (Aurora (IL), United States)

Position Name

Continuous Improvement Manager

Position Holder

N/A

Group Company

Sonova USA Inc.

Functional Area

Manufacturing

Department

Continuous Improvement

Cost Center

Reports to (Position Name):

Sr. Director, Operations

Leadership Responsibility

☒ Yes ☐ No

Purpose of the Job

Provide the leadership, support and project management to drive tools and methodologies across both manufacturing and back office processes. By using tools that include Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S & Design for Lean Six Sigma identify areas or potential improvement and then partner with Department leaders to realize the improvement potential. Will ensure that all improvements implemented are consistent with all Regulatory, Quality, and Corporate Compliance requirements.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Help to establish an organizational culture of Continuous Improvement. This includes leading by example being a trusted partner to the senior leaders
• Through the use of Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen or other similar technique identify processes within the organization that can achieve a significant efficiency gain.
• Act as a change agent within the organization and identifying and removing barriers when required
• Work Closely with Manufacturing to ensure their annual productivity goals for yield and efficiency area achieved
• Work with Department Leaders to create a kaizen funnel and develop kaizen teams to realize efficiency and productivity gains.
• Provide leadership and coaching to project teams to ensure success.
• Ensure all proposed improvements are consistent with Regulatory, Quality and Corporate Compliance requirements.
• Establish Visual management indicators in areas where they would be beneficial.
• Provide ongoing education to the organization in the areas of Continuous improvement.
• Provide regular reports to Sr. Direction of operations highlighting programs and accomplishments.

Travelling Requirement

Yes

Qualifications

need to have

nice to have

Basic Education

Bachelor Degree on Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management or equivalent / Lean Certification

Certified Black Belt / Master Degree

Further Education

Work Experience

7 or more years of experience in a mature Continuous Improvement environment (Toyota Production System or equivalent), with minimum of 3 years in a Leadership role and demonstrated track record of implementation success.

Personal Competencies

Excellent written, oral, and communication skills.

Able to manage multiple projects/ activities

Social Competencies

Able to effectively work in a team environment

Leadership Competencies

Skilled influencer that can impact across all levels and motivate those around him/her.

Professional Competencies

Excellent mathematical and analytical skills

Experience with Toyota production system.

Language(s) / Level

Business English > 80%

IT skills

Must possess strong computer slills with background with ERP/MRP systems (prefer SAP) and Microsoft office.

Further Requirements

Additional Remarks:

Sonova is an equal opportunity employer.

We team up. We grow talent. We collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds to win with the best team in the market place. We guarantee every person equal treatment in regard to employment and opportunity for employment, regardless of a candidate's ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or marital status, gender, genetic identity, age, disability or any other legally protected status.