Job Summary

The Director of Continuous Improvement and 5S (Sort, set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving a consistent and well-defined continual improvement and 5S initiative that drives process efficiency, and organizational effectiveness within the company. This role entails developing and implementing continuous improvement strategies, fostering a culture of lean principles, and overseeing a consistent application of the 5S methodology to enhance workplace organization, safety, and productivity working very closely with the operational teams within NEI.

Essential Functions

Job duties may change over time and additional job functions may become essential.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Continuous Improvement Strategy:

• Develop and lead the company's continuous improvement strategy, aligning it with overall business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, waste reduction, and cost savings across departments and functions.
• Implement lean methodologies, Six Sigma principles, and other relevant improvement methodologies to enhance operational efficiency.
1. 5S Implementation and Management:
• Design and execute the 5S implementation plan, ensuring its integration across NEI.
• Provide guidance and direction to teams on the implementation and maintenance of 5S principles to achieve a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of 5S practices, identify areas for improvement, and adjust strategies as needed.
• Connect 5S to safer working conditions and practices, coordinate with the local (plant) safety teams as necessary to improve safety.
2. Leadership and Team Development:
• Collaboratively work with team members at all NEI locations to create consistency and foster a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to employees at all levels, promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
3. Performance Measurement and Analysis:
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the success of continuous improvement initiatives and 5S implementation.
• Analyze data and metrics to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for corrective action.
• Standardize KPI, progress updates, effectiveness, audits, and other reporting across the company.
• Present progress reports and performance insights to senior leadership and stakeholders.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Collaborate with department heads and stakeholders to understand their unique challenges and needs related to process improvement and 5S.
• Facilitate cross-functional teams to address complex problems, streamline processes, and implement sustainable improvements.
5. Change Management:
• Develop and execute change management plans to ensure smooth adoption of continuous improvement practices and 5S principles throughout the organization.
• Anticipate and address resistance to change and communicate the benefits and rationale effectively.
6. Training and Education:
• Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees at all levels on continuous improvement methodologies and 5S principles.
• Foster a learning culture that empowers employees to contribute to improvement initiatives.

Candidates for positions with NEI, Neenah Foundry Company and its subsidiaries must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.  All offers of employment will be conditioned upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-hire background check and drug screen.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

NEI is an equal opportunity employer and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status or national origin.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and driving change at the organizational level.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to statistically interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Change management expertise and experience in leading organizational transformation initiatives.
• Relevant certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt are highly desirable.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

This position description is intended to cover the most significant, ongoing job functions and competency areas.  Successful performance in the role will require performing satisfactorily other duties as assigned. 

Physical Requirements

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

The worker must be able to access, analyze and otherwise work with, enter information stored in or obtained through the company's computer system, and to communicate effectively with co-workers and third parties who have business dealings with the Company's Human Resources operations.  

Travel Requirements

Up to 60% travel; with a focus on plans at all locations.