Continuous Improvement Engineer

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.

Our Ashland City, TN facility employs over 1,150 people at our residential water heater manufacturing plant and is our largest manufacturing site in North America, producing over 7000 residential water heaters a day or over 2.3 million water heaters each year.

Primary Function

Reporting to the Continuous Improvement Manager, the Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer will be a key part of the site management team responsible for strategic planning and implementation of the manufacturing and material information process.  Manufacturing processes at this plant include fabrication, paints/coatings, furnace, and assembly.  This person will lead continuous improvement and manufacturing process improvement initiatives to develop and implement best methods of work.

What is Great About This Opportunity?

• You will be joining a stable, but growing organization committed to strong financial performance, strategic acquisitions, global expansion and the highest ethical standards of conduct
• You will be representing a company that makes essential products that provide hot, clean water and are considered top of the line.
• You will be joining a cohesive team that supports each other in accomplishing shared goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support the implementation of a strategic plan that incorporates the current manufacturing concepts and practices throughout the facility and integrates them with our ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system to provide the most efficient method of manufacturing product.
• Manage and support the product routing structure within the current ERP (SAP) System.
• The ideal candidate will have experience within an organization that has undergone or is currently undergoing a “lean” transformation.  Understanding of when and how to utilize basic “lean” tools (A3s, Daily/Visual Management, etc.), in addition to experience with the processes to surface and solve problems, is preferred.  A growth mindset and someone who values learning while developing others is needed to flourish in this role.  Provide technical, project, and process improvement assistance for manufacturing.
• Manage a small team of direct reports over Product Routings and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Works with enterprise business units at the operational and corporate level to drive process improvements, identifying compliance to customer service standards and strategies for consistent, repeatable, and flawless execution.

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Analyzes ambiguous problems utilizing demonstrated proficiency of lean tools such as VSM, Standard Work, 5S, Process Observations (time-study); Process Flow charts; Spaghetti Diagrams and other lean tools. Breaks down complex information in a systematic and communicable manner.  Leads Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and other Lean events.
• Provide technical guidance to help production efficiency, cost reduction, product quality and safety improvements.
• Provide guidance to engineers and maintenance personnel in problem solving of production issues, equipment and general manufacturing methods and practices.
• Plan production workflow and equipment layout changes for maximum efficiency using automation where possible.
• Comply with all Safety and Quality Policies and Procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in an Engineering field required.
• 5 or more years of engineering experience required.
• The ideal candidate will understand manufacturing processes and will help define and establish procedures and processes to ensure that the integrity of system data is maintained and reliable.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, teach, and mentor technical and non-technical knowledge to hourly and salaried employees to drive business results.
• Apply structured problem-solving approach to complex processes and equipment issues with the ability to determine root cause, as well as implement timely corrective action.
• Proven experience in managing cross functional teams in the execution and implementation of process improvement projects.
• High level of integrity and professionalism with strong leadership skills.
• Possess strong organizational, project management, leadership, and communication skills.

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.