Continuous Improvement Specialist

Continuous Improvement Specialist

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; engineering degree preferred, but not required.
• 3+ years of experience in process, operations and/or quality improvement
• Experience working in a continuous improvement/lean environment
• Practical experience leading continuous improvement activities/kaizen events (teaching, coaching and implementing operational excellence tools)
• Strong understanding of Lean Tools: Six Sigma, 5S, TPM, Kanban, Ishikawa, A3, 5-Why, MTTR, MTBF, Poka-yoke, JIT, Value-stream mapping
• High degree of technical aptitude with a demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing processes and logistics flows
• Ability to influence and create buy-in from teams through collaboration and development
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment
• Demonstrated ability to teach, coach and persuade
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Working on-site will be required
• Occasional travel to domestic and international sites
• An uncompromising safety-first approach in the workplace
• Effectively communicate with all levels of employment both verbally and in writing. Interpersonal skills are also required. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Responsibilities

• Creates an environment of openness, trust, and mutual respect which allows employees to excel in HSE performance.
• Leads by example by following all safety rules and procedures and by using accepted safe work practices.
• Supports and adheres to Westlake HSE initiatives such as Westlake Life Critical Rules, Safe Start, and STAR.
• Implement and manage continuous improvement activities to support and drive the site team to achieve zero harm, improve quality, reduce waste, and maximize process and equipment performance while reducing cost.
• Identify areas of process improvement opportunities and work with Front Line Leaders to execute specific continuous improvement projects.
• Lead site 5S efforts to improve workplace efficiency; maximize floor space and optimize product flow.
• Monitor, and report implementation plans and progress in pursuit of projects and KPI’s.
• Teach, lead and coach cross-functional teams on Lean and continuous improvement principles such as 5S, one-piece flow, TPM, Kanban systems, setup reduction.
• Create standard operating procedures and standard work for plant site based on best practices and lean methods.
• Oversee quality initiatives and metrics by working with the team to drive best practices that keep us on the forefront for quality in the industry.
• Assist with investigations into process and quality issues to identify root causes, develop corrective actions, and implement solutions.
• Work with leadership team to drive cultural improvements that drive employee retention and engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with other Westlake locations and external sources to share and establish best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

No preferred qualifications provided.