CI Manager (Continuous Improvement Manager)

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact.

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Continuous Improvement Manager (CI Manager) role is a key position for driving continuous improvements across Operations and other functions, in partnership with management and other internal stakeholders.  The CI Manager will lead and execute continuous improvement projects following “lean” principles to:

• Improve quality and cycle time
• Reduce costs and minimize wastes
• Foster lean mindset

This position manages the development, refinement and implementation of strategic CI programs (e.g., Kaizen, etc.) in meeting IDEX operational excellence expectations and delivering local business optimization. 

REPORTING TO: Director of Operations

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and implements a strategic roadmap of CI programs (e.g., Kaizen) cross-functionally.  Meets increasing targeted CI projects completion numbers year over year.
• Manages the project prioritization, change management and risk mitigation as appropriate.
• Identifies project issues and barriers and suggests appropriate courses of action.
• Provides management with project schedules and status updates monthly e.g., Maintaining a record of plant internal KPIs and leverage to generate ideas for Kaizen funnel based on trends.
• Facilitates the development, refinement and implementation of Standard Work in partnership with respective process owners and stakeholders.  Facilitates cross-functional collaboration to understand business requirements and integrate them into process improvements and initiatives.
• Conducts time studies and other analysis to identify inefficiencies and recommend process enhancements. 
• Applies Lean Principles of waste reduction to projects, and ensure tools/processes are in place to ensure gains are sustained.  Leads the design and implementation of process improvement strategies with measurable ROI.
• Helps drive repeated use of Lean Principles for continuous improvement internally as well as externally with customers and suppliers.
• Oversees the design and delivering of CI training programs to ensure team CI competence development e.g., training team members in the application of appropriate Lean Principles, equipping team members and process owners with CI tools in order to ensure project controls are sustainable, conducting training for employees on Lean Principles and Kaizen events.
• Interfaces, as necessary, with entire business chain to educate and integrate Lean principles.
• Shares Lean project improvement results with other IDEX business units.
• May participate in Business Planning sessions.
• Actively model IDEX values: Team, Trust, and Excellence.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The success of this position has the following impact on BAND-IT Denver:

• Sustainable performance improvements in site productivity
• Timely and successful completion of Lean projects in support of AOP targets.
• Implementation and execution of an effective and sustainable kaizen cycle
• Improvement in operational and financial metrics (OTD, GM, 5S, uptime, etc.)
• Increase the lean culture within the organization as measured by submission and execution rate of associate-generated kaizen ideas.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Knowledge of lean methodology, tools, and techniques with track record of implementing various lean concepts including core concepts of VS Mapping, One Piece Flow, Kanban, 5S, Standardized Work, Visual Management, SMED, and TPM.
• Basic statistical skills and problem-solving aptitude required.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in written formats.
• Strong computer skills required, including MS365, and ERP system utilization.
• Strong project management skills required.
• Ability to maintain record of KPI trends and discern opportunities for improvement.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills required, including ability to influence without direct authority.
• Proficient with applied mathematical statistics, process design, manufacturing technology, and business systems.
• Familiarity with ISO, IATF, and or other Quality Management System is a plus.
• Must be a self-starter with a desire to drive change throughout the business.
• Must be a customer advocate.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Four-year degree required in business, teaching, engineering, or technical discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years manufacturing / technical business experience.
• Minimum of 5 years continuous improvement experience required.
• Education/training in Lean Principles and Kaizen event leadership.
• Lean/6σ certification is a plus.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The physical, mental, and visual demands, and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL DEMANDS:

• Requires use of hands and fingers to handle and feel objects, tools, or controls 25% of the time.
• Approximately 50% of the time is spent standing or walking.
• Approximately 10% of the time is spent bending.
• Lifting requirements range from less than 10 lbs. to 20 lbs.  Manual lifting could reach company maximum of 35 lbs. 
• Clear vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus are necessary to perform the job functions.
• Distance and peripheral vision are required to monitor production operation, and for safety.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be in a production environment near moving, mechanical parts approximately 40% of the time.
• Noise exposure can be moderate.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Safety and Security: The individual actively promotes and personally observes all safety procedures. The individual complies with Environmental, Safety, and Hazardous Communications requirements.
• Operational Excellence:  The individual is dedicated to providing organizational systems for measuring work. The individual seeks to reduce variances in organizational processes.
• Interpersonal Skills:  The individual remains open to other ideas and exhibits a willingness to try new things.
• Relationships with Others: The individual works effectively with others, including superiors and colleagues. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships.
• Problem Solving:  The individual participates in the continuous improvement process by attending meetings and presenting problems and possible solutions to the appropriate personnel.
• Communication and Contact: The individual communicates effectively both verbally and written with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Company.
• Planning/Organizing: The individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action plans.
• Quality Control:  The individual demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, and monitors their own work to ensure quality. The individual delivers the highest quality products that meet the requirements of internal and external customers.
• Adaptability:  The individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability: The individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction, and solicits feedback to improve performance. The individual completes all duties as assigned, trains as required, and rotates into other departments as required.

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?

Total Rewards

The compensation range for this position is $94,600.00 - $142,000.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.

Benefits Package

Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefit-and-rewards/

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws (Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled).

Attention Applicants:  If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected] for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.