Continuous Improvement Leader

Position Description

Job Summary

Are you looking to join a well-established company where you can have a long and successful career? With over 350 years of history as a Company, Saint-Gobain’s purpose is “Making the World a Better Home.” Saint-Gobain is seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader to join our team in Buckhannon, WV.

The Continuous Improvement Leader provides guidance for implementation of the corporate continuous improvement program, World Class Manufacturing (WCM), within Saint-Gobain’s Buckhannon facility.

WCM is a global initiative that is key to the improvement and growth of Corhart.  This position will ensure that the site and its employees have the appropriate skills, tools and implementation plans to deliver world-class results. 

The Continuous Improvement Leader is responsible for administering all aspects of the program including, but not limited to:  Program Vision (aligning the program to the site or division objectives), Program Coordination (Chairing the site’s WCM Steering Committee), Program Execution (through training, workshops, and coaching), Program Advancement (leading the site to successively higher levels of achievement in WCM audits) and Program Reporting (annual goal setting and monthly and annual reporting of results). 

The Continuous Improvement Leader helps to enable the site’s objectives through project leadership, coaching of project managers, and through active participation on WCM pillar teams.

Required Qualifications

Site WCM and Improvement Leadership

• Model company Vision, Mission and Values. Ensure WCM operating standards and tools are implemented in the most effective and sustainable way with all individuals at site.
• Coordinate the site’s WCM Steering Committee in the review of progress and the identification and implementation of countermeasures to ensure the WCM program achieves maximum benefit.
• Facilitate all monthly and annual reporting associated with the WCM program including results and budgeting.
• Develop and maintain a roadmap to ensure the site is continuously improving in meeting the WCM audit grid guidelines
• Act as the single point of contact representing Corhart in all SEFPRO or SG Ceramics WCM interactions.

Execution of Continuous Improvement Fundamentals

• Lead and/or coach and support project teams to successful completion in support of site KPI and WCM program milestones. Ensure management of change is effectively executed on all projects.
• Coordinate the collection and stratification of loss data across the site’s priority pillars.
• Review and analyze data to chart progress of the site against the WCM plan and recommend countermeasures to overcome adverse variances.
• In liaison with Engineering, Technical and Operational functions define, establish, fully deploy and continuously improve "best practices" for process, engineering or working procedures across the site, sharing successes with peers.
• Facilitate training, as needed, in Continuous Improvement foundational tools (Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen Events, etc), and in the WCM Methodology.

Environmental, Health & Safety

• Behavioral role model for all EHS standards; 5S & workplace organization practices; plant rules and safety regulations; and Saint-Gobain Principles of Conduct and Action.
• Must recognize unsafe conditions and practices and quickly address them to prevent injuries and property loss. Conducts safety audits, investigations, and job safety analysis on a regular basis
• Partners with production and support team leaders to continuously improve the EHS culture, awareness and accountability systems by leading Pillar activities, participating in EHS inspections, self-assessments, and audits

Education:                                        

• Technical degree with demonstrated and related experience in Lean, Six Sigma, WCM or a similar Continuous Improvement Program

• Excellent foundation in data analysis, structured problem solving, Lean Principles, Leading Effective Teams and Change Management    

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or similar technical discipline.
           

Additional Description

Work Experience:

• 3+ years of manufacturing experience leading teams. 5+ years in a continuous improvement role   
• Sound knowledge and demonstrable success in leveraging continuous improvement tools to advance site KPIs   
• Previous experience in high performance teams or self-directed teams in a production environment, preferred            

 Practical/Technical Knowledge:

• Demonstrated understanding of Lean Manufacturing concepts and/or World Class Manufacturing (WCM)

• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 requirements and relevant industry standard practices

• Experience in statistical analysis of data with intent to identify losses and verify process improvements

• Understanding of ceramic materials and applications

• Computer proficiency, including a strong command of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). 

• Experience in change management and proven track record of successfully leading continuous improvement projects

Company Summary

Saint-Gobain Ceramics Division regroups Saint-Gobain’s businesses specialized in ceramic-based solutions for industrial clients.  Our product range spans from advanced ceramic grains and powders, to specialty refractories and ceramic systems.  We offer “Material Solutions That Make a Difference”, in the sense that our ceramic products and services are mission-critical to our customers’ own applications.  At the heart of industry, we pride ourselves in serving segment-leading customers across the world, through long-term, trust-based relationships. At Saint-Gobain, our people are our most valuable asset so we provide competitive base salary and incentive compensation packages to reward and recognize employees for their contributions toward the company's success.

Legal Statement

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.

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