Continuous Improvement Associate

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and/or participate in Continuous Improvement (CI) events throughout the facility to improve processes.
• Support the implementation of process improvement activities throughout the facility.
• Identify potential Continuous Improvement opportunities and events.
• Verify the effectiveness of implemented process improvements.
• Participate in the Lean Internship Program.
• Support safety and environmental initiatives to better serve our employees and community.
• Maintain effective communication between employees, management, support staff, other KI divisions, and customers as needed.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities.
• Support and model the Company's Vision and Guiding Principles.
• Support the Environmental Management System (EMS).
• Follow all safety guidelines and use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Follow and support Quality Systems.

Educational Requirements

• Previous manufacturing experience required.
• Successful completion of Lean Internship Program will be required upon hire.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to provide balanced feedback.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor.
• Ability to remain patient and manage emotions effectively.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Strong decision-making skills.
• Willingness to learn and continuously improve.
• Tactful, assertive, honest, and ethical.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships.
• Ability to achieve results through collaboration with others.

Technical Skills

• Strong computer skills.
• Strong follow-up and organizational skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Good understanding of production processes.
• Good understanding of Lean Manufacturing concepts.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Experience participating in Continuous Improvement efforts within a team environment.
• Understanding of statistical techniques.
• Ability to safely operate and maneuver required tools and equipment during projects.

Communication Skills

• Strong listening skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate both technical and non-technical information.
• Ability to teach and train others.
• Ability to tailor communication to the audience.

Leadership Skills

• Self-directed and highly motivated.
• Leads by example.
• Ability to coach and motivate team members.
• Strong facilitation skills.
• Effective relationship builder.
• Ability to facilitate win-win solutions.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Takes initiative and drives results.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Effective coaching and team-building skills.
• Ability to adapt to and manage change.

Business Skills

• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong planning and organizational abilities.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Results-focused mindset.
• Strong recordkeeping and documentation skills.

Resume Required

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment focusing on Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, including leading or facilitating CI projects and Kaizen events.
• Enhanced troubleshooting and administrative skills.
• Leading improvement initiatives (Kaizen events) from conception through implementation. Oversee the success of Kaizen events, including:
• Coordinate strategic and detailed plans.
• Planning of events with a dynamic funnel process tied to Policy Deployment/Model Value Stream and Daily Management.
• Develop and implement improvement strategies and initiatives.
• Event execution and sustainment of Kaizen event results.
• Lead/facilitate the implementation and sustainment of Lean tools (Visual Management, 6S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, plan-do-check-act, Lean processes, etc.).
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs to educate employees on Continuous Improvement concepts, tools, and techniques.
• Applicants should be prepared to discuss specific Continuous Improvement initiatives or Kaizen events they have led or facilitated

Experience Requirements:

• Previous manufacturing experience required.
• Previous Continuous Improvement experience required.
• Experience leading or facilitating Continuous Improvement initiatives and Kaizen events is required.
• Resume required.

Please Note:

This is an hourly associate position. Previous manufacturing experience and direct Continuous Improvement experience are required for consideration. Candidates should have experience leading or facilitating CI initiatives.

Please include detailed information regarding your Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and Kaizen experience on your resume.

Brand Information

If you prefer a career that offers different opportunities daily while working with a variety of people, Kimball International would like to talk to you. We are a family-friendly company that values the differences that make each associate unique.

EEO Statement

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

VISA Sponsorship

Kimball International, Inc. will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment/work visa status (e.g.. H-1B)