Operations Supervisor

Why join us?

Knoll uses modern design to connect people to their work, their lives, their world. Since 1938, we have been recognized internationally for creating workplace and residential furnishings that inspire, evolve, and endure.

Our purpose is design for the good of humankind. It’s the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of Knoll means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows Knoll to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY
Leads and manages an assigned department to achieve operational objectives (in areas such as safety, product quality, reliability, cost, continuous improvement, and employee morale) that align with and promote the achievement of Operations' and the corporation's business strategy. Achieving results through successful leadership and team development, as well as effective planning, organization, implementation and execution.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 100% Value: Responsible for continuously improving the processes of operations by eliminating the seven forms of waste and creating processes that add 100% value to the customer. 

• Continuous Improvement: Responsible for facilitating change by using kaizen as a tool to improve the organization's capability by utilizing people's skills to solve problems proactively and constantly move towards the ideal situation or 'true north'. Responsible for engaging in kaizen activities every day to proactively go after problems with a shop floor focus. 

• Performs other duties as required. 

• Professional Challenge/Participation: Responsible for motivating and involving employees in improving processes through creativity, problem solving and learning. This is accomplished through setting expectations, teaching, encouraging, coaching and holding direct labor employees accountable to utilize standardized work to improve operations, as well as participating in the implementation of improvements through day-by-day kaizen. Solicit employees' ideas for improvement and create a work environment where employees are encouraged to take risks and share their ideas for improvement. 

• Pull System: Responsible for creating an operation that produces products only to customer demand (takt time) using one-piece-flow. 

• Quality: Ensure the team's performance and accountability to zero defects. Responsibilities include identifying and solving department problems that cause poor quality. Must partner with customer service and corporate quality teams to ensure the identification of quality issues and their root causes, as well as design and implement solutions. Must also manage and monitor compliance with the HMI quality plan and ISO 9000 certification. 

• Recognition/Feedback: Responsible to show appreciation of those individuals and teams that demonstrate outstanding performance, which is directly aligned with the company's Blueprint for Corporate Community. Also responsible for providing timely feedback including formal performance reviews, performance coaching, and discipline. 

• Reliability: Ensure 100% on-time delivery of quality products to the customer. 

• Safety: Ensure a safe working environment for all employees and visitors. Responsible for the team's safety program, implementation and commitment to 5-S principles, ensuring all safety training and development is completed for all employees, administration of safety policies and procedures, and compliance with all state and federal legislation. Manage and monitor the achievement of corporate and plant environmental goals. 

• Shop Floor Focus: Responsible for spending most of the time directly on the shop floor where the key value-added activities take place, so one can understand the status of the operation and gain direct input from employees to make improvements. 

• Staffing/Development: Responsible for employee selection (determining staffing levels & skills required) and training. Also responsible for helping employees to develop new skills that will allow them to increase their contribution to the business and improve the processes of the operation. 

*Additional responsibilities as requested by Management to achieve business objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in any Engineering discipline is an asset. 

• 3 – 5 years of supervisory experience in an operations environment or at least four years of demonstrated success in a leadership role that has included directing the work of others with proven results.

• Minimum one (1) year of MillerKnoll operations experience is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively (both written and verbal)

• Demonstrated ability to identify and understand issues and make appropriate decisions  

• Knowledge of manufacturing organization, controls and procedures. 

• Knowledge of fundamental Safety principles for an industrial work environment 

• Must have experience with team building, process improvement, conflict resolution, and motivating people.  

• Lean manufacturing knowledge & implementation.   

• Knowledge of ISO 14001/9001 required. 

• Strong skills in the following areas:  Leadership, Strategic thinking/Systems-based thinking, Quantitative & Qualitative Assessment, Presentation, Analytical 

• Must have strong communication and organizational skills; ability to express ideas effectively and should possess problem solving skills and facilitate group meetings.  

• Familiarity with Human Machine Interface Screens (HMI)

• Computer proficiency with the ability to manipulate and save files and input data into excel

• Ability to manipulate mathematical data using addition, multiplication and subtraction

PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Must be able to perform all essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to complete work tasks that require strong manual dexterity

• Must be able to stand while working for long durations of time, up to three (3) hours at a time

• Physical lifting ability - up to 50 lbs.

• Must be able to work under pressure and within time constraints

• Must be able to perform duties while wearing all necessary Personal Protective Equipment as determined by MillerKnoll’s Health and Safety department

• Must be able to perform in an environment with high levels of exposure to manufacturing noise, dust and heat

• Ability to work in a multi-shift environment including flexible hours and weekends, as required

• Must have flexibility to work varied hours and overtime to meet production requirements

Teamwork and Leadership

• Willingness to cross-train in various areas and/or department as required

• Able to work in a team environment and support a culture of respect and trust

• Ability to adapt to a changing environment and lead others through change

Authority and Decision Making

• Must have the ability to diligently follow processes and procedures with minimal supervision

• Able to take initiative to solve complex problems 

• Must be able to make independent judgements to determine best solution and obtain appropriate approvals before acting

Who We Hire?

Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Knoll is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We’re committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.

MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at  [email protected].