Continuous Improvement Project Specialist

Company / Location Information

We are one of the leading manufacturers of water heating and water treatment technologies in the world. We are a $3.5 billion company with 140+ years history and we employ more than 12,000 individuals globally who pride themselves on providing the world with innovative water technology. We are committed to Continuous Improvement, not just in our factories or processes, but in our people.

Primary Function

As the CI Project Specialist, you will assist in setting standards for continuous improvement project management and managing the day-to-day operations of C.I initiatives. Facilitate Environmental, Health, Safety, & Security functions and compliance.  Our ideal candidate thrives in collaborative team environments, has strong leadership skills, is comfortable interacting with staff who have varying degrees of technical knowledge, has strong problem-solving skills with a drive to understand how things work, and isn’t afraid to ask questions.

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Assesses project risks and priorities, developing and executing project plans, and managing change throughout the site level projects.
• Leads company efforts by educating personnel on concepts and tools laid out in the A.O. Smith Operating System
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the site functions to surface and solve problems.
• Facilitates CI Kaizen events and tracks progress of improvement opportunities.
• Ensure teams are resourced and informed to complete assignments on time.
• Proactively predict and remove any roadblocks that may delay a project timeline
• Provide ongoing project update reports to internal leadership.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Additionally:

• Under the guidance of the Operations Director and Division EHS Manager, develop and maintain EHSS projects and tasks related to local and corporate Safety and Environmental programs, including ISO 45001 and ISO 14001
• Work with plant leadership to execute and engage plant employees in EHSS programs and processes, including training, compliance, security standards and mitigating critical risks.
• Aid facilities with regulatory and corporate policy compliance
• Participate on the global A.O. Smith EHS council
• Lead site cross-functional teams to conduct various risk and safety assessments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, MIS, Industrial Technology Management or related preferred. Candidates with equivalent years of related project management experience, certifications, and education also considered.
• Minimum 1 year related work experience.
• Some OSHA or Environmental Health & Safety knowledge a plus.  Or willing to learn.
• Working knowledge of project management methodologies
• Working knowledge of project management tools
• Knowledge of ADKAR and other change management tools
• Knowledge of continuous improvement and lean principles
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to deal tactfully and diplomatically with others
• Flexibility to handle multiple priorities, sometimes

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.

This role is eligible to participate in our remote work program, which allows employees to work remotely up to two days per week. New employees in eligible roles can apply for this program after successfully completing their initial 90 days of employment. This role is also eligible for relocation assistance.

ADA Disclaimer (U.S. ONLY)

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.