Continuous Improvement Associate- Fordsville, KY

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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:

• 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…