Continuous Improvement Kaizen Specialist

Scope of Position

This energetic, and lean-thinking individual will be responsible for supporting lean transformation, employee engagement, and problem solving to promote a “creativity before capital” mindset.  The CI Kaizen Specialist I will partner with site leadership, and the CI team, to work through rapid experiments while supporting site transformation through LEAN processes.

This position reports to the Continuous Improvement Manager. This role is onsite and based in Franklin, NH.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Gathers data and manages all preparatory work necessary to execute Kaizen activity.

• Facilitates Kaizens.

• Works with CI Technicians to apply high levels of technical creativity to construct machines, equipment, and tools that support employees to gain competitive advantage.

• Apply the 3P process of "try storming" simulation to prove concepts, followed up with quickly assembling solutions that benefit the overall goals.

• Trains employees across campus on continuous improvement tasks and processes including Kaizen prep work and Kaizen execution.

• Performs as a key role in the New Product Development Process.

• Maintain primary work area in accordance to 5S standards. Improve, implement, and sustain 5S, Standard Work, Flow, Visual Management, TPM, Error Proofing.

• Works with Kaizen Road map and productivity funnel and hopper to prioritize projects and manage customer expectations.

• Prepares report-outs for Kaizen and other activities to senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 3 plus years of experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Must be willing to obtain a Watts certified Lean Yellow Belt within 3 months of accepting the role.

• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with minimal supervision and be willing to attend training as needed.  

• Ability to work in team-oriented environment to accomplish large projects as well as self-management skills when working on smaller tasks and able to execute a daily and weekly action plan.

• Ability to work with cross function teams to provide solutions quickly and efficiently to manufacturing and material handling related issues.

• Ability to communicate both professionally and collaboratively with internal customers regarding status of requests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or certification in engineering technology, operations, or related field.

• Prior experience supporting Kaizen events or Lean improvement projects.

• Exposure to KPI reporting or visual management systems.

General Applicable Company Competencies

• Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency. 

• Punctuality and dependability. 

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions. 

• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts. 

• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees. 

• Adherence to Watts’ seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.  

Working Conditions

While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site in a manufacturing facility. You will be required to work at the Company’s location in Franklin, NH. Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.

Physical Requirements - Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to push and pull up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to physically move around manufacturing floor.

• Ability to read documents and communicate clearly with management and coworkers.

• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, which may include, but is not limited to, safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

Nothing in this job description restricts Watts’ right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is “at will,” which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.

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