Continuous Improvement Specialist - Grand Rapids MI

Job Description
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PSG® is the global pump, metering and dispensing-solution expert, enabling the safe and efficient transfer of critical and valuable fluids that require optimal performance and reliability in applications where it matters most. Additionally, PSG is a leading provider of flow meters designed to reduce waste and downtime while accurately measuring, monitoring and controlling the distribution of fluids. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, USA, PSG is comprised of several world-class brands, including Abaque®, All-Flo™, Almatec®, Blackmer®, Ebsray®, em-tec®, Griswold®, Hydro™, Malema™, Mouvex®, Neptune®, PSG® Biotech, Quantex™, Quattroflow®, and Wilden®. PSG products are manufactured on three continents - North America, Europe, and Asia - in state-of-the-art facilities that practice lean manufacturing and are ISO-certified. PSG is part of the Pumps & Process Solutions segment of Dover Corporation. For additional information on PSG, please visit psgdover.com.
We thrive on winning and being number one; and are always looking to add the best and brightest to our talented team of professionals. PSG offers a unique combination of the both small company atmosphere: with an ownership mindset that allows you to make close-to-the-customer decisions; an innovative approach in seeing beyond what is possible today and entrepreneurial spirit in the pursuit of new opportunities; combined with benefits of a large company's scale, tools, expertise, and financial strength with Dover. Join PSG, a growing global company where your curiosity, hard work and ambition is rewarded with exceptional career opportunities in a friendly & fast paced environment.
PSG is part of the Pumps and Process Solutions segment of the Dover Corporation® (NYSE: DOV). Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of over $7 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 65 years, our team of over 24,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible.
Position Summary:
The Operations Continuous Improvement Specialist will be responsible for driving process improvements within the PSG Grand Rapids - Blackmer organization. The scope is a balance of detailed manufacturing continuous improvement initiatives, optimization of the interaction between Supply Chain and Production, as well as striving for enterprise-wide cross-functional synchronization that enables the organization to achieve year-over-year productivity and successful customer outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Execute for the production team by driving the identification of improvement opportunities, mobilizing action plans to capitalize on opportunities, and implementing robust control plans to ensure complete and permanent realization of targeted savings.
Provide leadership in identifying, planning, executing, and tracking labor productivity initiatives.
Serve as a change agent across the leadership team by seeking, sharing, and implementing methods, tools, sustainable global systems, and best practices.
Utilize lean management and continuous improvement techniques (like Value Stream Mapping) to establish a baseline understanding of current processes and create future state plans that eliminate waste while optimally balancing cost and service level factors.
Facilitate the universal implementation of locally driven process improvement activities to enable business-wide process consistency and achieve maximum business benefits from productivity initiatives.
Advise, counsel, and collaborate with each functional leader in solving issues that impact inventory, workflow, capacity, quality, and other operational indicators.
Analyze data for trends and conclude to ensure efforts are focused on the highest-impact and lowest-effort solutions, while utilizing precise business data to measure the tangible impact of improvement efforts implemented.
Train, coach, and develop Continuous Improvement champions, as well as other operational staff, to become process improvement practitioners and leaders. Train others to enhance their problem-solving skills using tools such as Root Cause Analysis, Corrective Actions, 5 Whys, and Fishbone Diagrams.
Lean implementation and training of 5S across the value streams. Collaborate with teams to develop a visual management plan that ensures the value stream can sustain any progress made.
Implement employee improvement ideas.
Manage the production tool kanban.
Recognize the "7 Deadly Wastes" and how to eliminate them from our daily work routines.
Support activities in all areas of the plant, including safety, quality, and production.
Desired Characteristics:
Change Leadership
Results Driven
Cross-functional leadership skills
Ability to self-motivate and stay on task without direct supervision
Strategic Mindset.
Good oral/written communication and interpersonal skills
Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities
Qualifications / Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related field from an accredited college or university
Three (3) years of hands-on experience in an OEM product operations organization (manufacturing, assembly, supply chain).
In-depth practical knowledge of Kaizen and/or Lean methodologies, tools, and practices, including visual controls, standard work, performance metrics, work center metrics, and continuous improvement processes, with a demonstrated ability to instruct others in these areas.
Ability to coach and assist participants in improvement activities
Experience in project management, policy deployment, and digital metrics (e.g., benefits identification, reporting, and progress tracking).
Experience in data analysis with strong computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications:
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, TPS, etc.) or equivalent dedicated process improvement expertise preferred.
We consider several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position's responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, a candidate's education/training, the position's location, and the key skills needed for the position. Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.
Benefits: Our total rewards package for eligible team members also includes: a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; medical, dental and vision insurance; wellness programs; health savings account, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts; company paid short-term disability and long-term disability; company paid employee basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental employee and dependent life insurance; optional accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance; adoption, surrogacy, and fertility benefits and assistance; commuter benefits; parental, military, jury duty, and bereavement leaves of absence; paid time off, including 13 paid holidays per calendar year, paid vacation days, paid sick leave hours annually or as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, OpCo-specific benefits, e.g., tuition assistance; employee discounts. and an employee assistance program that includes company paid counseling sessions and legal services. Eligibility for benefits is governed by applicable plan documents and policies.