Regional Continuous Improvement Specialist (PA, WV, VA) / (IL , MI, WI)

Company: Northwest Hardwoods, Inc.
Location: Onalaska
Posted on: June 25, 2022

Job Description:

Department: Continuous ImprovementWork Schedule: M-F, Hybrid Schedule (On Site / Remote)Compensation: Salaried Base Pay, Annual Bonus IncentiveLocation: Pittsburgh area (PA, WV, VA) / Chicago area (IL, MI, WI)
Northwest Hardwoods Overview:Northwest Hardwoods is the leading manufacturer of hardwood lumber in North America, as well as a leading supplier of panel products from around the world. A fully integrated, global supplier of wood products, NWH serves the furniture, flooring, cabinet, molding, and millwork industries.The company has invested in growth which has established strong functional organizations (Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, Marketing) to support the four business units (East, West, Specialty, and International).Position Summary:Reporting to the Director of Continuous Improvement and Quality, the Regional Continuous Improvement Specialist will be responsible for the support and implementation of NWH's Continuous Improvement activities in one of the Regions: Appalachian (PA, WV, VA) / Glacial (IL, MI, WI).This position will be part of the Corporate CI Team and has no direct reports. The scope of the Regional Continuous Improvement will be comprised of 6 to 7 Sites (eventually more) and will be preferably located in one Site within the Region, with occasional remote work.This individual will work in alignment with the Regional Manufacturing Director and will support the Site Managers in the development and implementation of the CI methods, delivering trainings, facilitating kaizen events, applying Lean tools, and supporting the execution of improvement projects to create a sustained culture which delivers year over year improvements to quality, operational and financial performance.Leadership Responsibilities:In this role you will lead indirect reports through influence and trust by understanding the perspective of others and finding common ground.This person will manage improvement projects and provide development and guidance to the Site Managers, Site Leaders, and Operators.This person must be able to engage people, clearly communicate objectives and planned activities, leading and working as part of the team.Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Lead the implementation of CI programs and projects.
• Evaluate the needs of current state vs. future state to assess and define where we currently are and define initiatives to help achieve the desired future states.
• Build strong working relationships with the Site Managers and their direct reports, to implement the programs and capabilities that deliver the required outcomes and develop a CI culture.
• Lead and coordinate capturing, defining, and implementing best practices that aligns with our strategic objectives.
• Monitor and report on initiatives and their performance against the agreed KPIs and provide support to improve upon KPIs as required.
• Provide regular reporting on progress and analysis of trends to KPIs and initiatives to the Director of Continuous Improvement and Quality and Regional Manufacturing Directors as appropriate.
• Identify innovative process methods to improve productivity, OTD, Quality, Lead Time, Waste Reduction, First Pass Yield, Utilization.
• Establish and maintain relationships via business meetings, phone conversations, presentations, etc.
• Embody and demonstrate NWH's core values: Safety, Quality, People, Stewardship, and Innovation.
• Other duties may be assigned.Basic Qualifications:
  • 3+years of relevant experience.
  • Proven experience leading projects with no formal authority over the team involved.
  • Must possess strong organizational, problem-solving, data driven decision-making and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
  • Ability to give and receive constructive feedback and the capability to be self-motivated and work independently with initiative and assertiveness.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations.
  • Excellent presentation, written, and verbal communication skills for audiences at all levels.Preferred Qualifications:
    • Lean / CI Professional Certification (preferred) or equivalent work experience.
    • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field (preferred).Travel:
      • Travel up to 60% of the time. Depending on the base location, and the Region.Candidates who meet the above qualifications will be considered further.Perks & Benefits:
        • Medical Plans/Dental Coverage/Vision Coverage
        • Prescription Plans
        • Life Insurance
        • Short-Term Disability Benefit
        • Voluntary Long-Term Disability Benefit
        • 401k Retirement Saving with Company Match
        • Health Saving Account (HSA)
        • Employee Assistance Program
        • Employee Engagement Center Support
        • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
        • Employee Engagement Events and Activities
        • Employee Referral Bonus (No cap)Additional Information:Northwest Hardwoods, Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.ExperienceRequired
          • 5 year(s): Project ManagementPreferred
            • 2 year(s): Managing PersonnelEducationPreferred
              • Bachelors or better in Systems/Industrial Engineer or related field

Keywords: Northwest Hardwoods, Inc., Rochester , Regional Continuous Improvement Specialist (PA, WV, VA) / (IL , MI, WI), Other , Onalaska, Minnesota