Continuous Improvement Specialist

Continuous Improvement Specialist

Raymond Storage Concepts is a leading provider of customized material handling solutions, dedicated to warehouse and fleet optimization. Covering Ohio, Kentucky, Southeast Indiana and West Virginia, Raymond Storage Concepts is an authorized sales and service center for Raymond Corporation, a global leader in materials handling technology, expertise and support. Headquartered in Cincinnati, we service our clients through a network of regional locations, including Columbus and Louisville.
For additional information on Raymond Storage Concepts, please visit www.raymondsci.com.
Position Overview
Under the guidance of the Continuous Improvement Manager, the Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for identifying opportunities and driving improvement in the execution of company processes to improve efficiencies, reduce waste and increase internal and external customer satisfaction. This role provides leadership and support in continuous improvement and excellence initiatives, including serving as an RLM (Toyota Production System, TPS) facilitator in support of the continuous improvement of business operations. This role also conducts educational lectures, workshops, and seminars, coaching and mentoring to educate and grow the lean capabilities of our associates.
Job duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Organizes and conducts training of colleagues throughout the organization in the development, implementation, coordination, and maintenance of lean programs and continuous improvement efforts.
• Identifies and segregates problems which can be addressed through the implementation of TPS and Lean tools and methods.
• Drives implementation of 5S, Visual Management, and Standard Work
• Uses process & value stream mapping, spaghetti diagrams, and to define current state in developing desired future state.
• Manages Kaizen tracking and assists mid-management with facilitating larger Kaizen projects
• Mentors and coaches employees, sharing job specific knowledge. Encourages training and development opportunities.
• Conducts, tracks, and reports on 5S audits across the organization
• Perform analysis of operations metrics to identify opportunities for improvement
• Assist in developing performance metrics that focus on quality improving and defect tracking
• Collaborates with subject matter experts and cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy during content and material development and updating processes.
• Creates an environment that fosters and supports continuous improvement and demonstrates a sense of urgency that results in a commitment to quality results.
• Facilitates and educates on a wide variety of TPS topics and understands how to apply and model the TPS methodology to the actual work environment.
• Foster breaking down organizational barriers. Promotes an environment of collaboration, trust and professional relationships. Leads cross-functional projects and support projects. Demonstrates high level of commitment to teamwork and supports cross-functional team involvement.
• Provides feedback on training experiences with a focus on points for improvement and enhancement of training offerings.
• Take responsibility for strategic initiative projects as appropriate to further drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• On occasion, participates in other continuous improvement application events throughout the Raymond enterprise.
• Collaborates and works effectively with other Raymond and Dealer Continuous Improvement Specialists
• Interfaces professionally with all levels of Raymond and Dealer management.
• Travel requirement approximately 40% to our branch locations (Cincinnati, OH, Louisville, KY and Columbus, OH). Most travel will take place during business hours with little overnights out of town. Expenses and mileage will be reimbursed.

Qualifications
Work Experience:

• 3+ years of professional experience in a progressive business environment with a proven track record of performance
• Previous practical experience with 5S, Standardization, Kaizen, JIT, Jidoka, and/or Visual Management
• Training/Teaching/Coaching and presenting experience 
• Team building experience
• Project management experience, a plus
• Experience in distribution/logistics, a plus

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in engineering, business, or other related discipline 
• Formal Lean Six Sigma or Toyota Production System certification and training
• Practical work experience in continuous improvement may be considered in lieu of education requirements

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as excellent presentation skills
• Self-motivated and driven individual who possesses high quality standards and a strong attention to detail
• Strong desire to seek self-improvement and increase knowledge in continuous improvement
• Patient educator/ instructor
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Data analysis
• Proficient in Microsoft software suite

Benefits

• Competitive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability
• Company paid short-term disability insurance
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Employee Discount Program
• Volunteer Time Off
• Paid Time Off
• Referral Bonus
• Fun, competitive & team-oriented company culture