Continuous Improvement Leader

Shurtape Technologies; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative workspace

Team-building activities

Work-life balance initiatives

Job summary

Shurtape Technologies in Hickory, NC is seeking an individual passionate about leading continuous improvement initiatives. The role focuses on supporting the leadership team in achieving objectives through Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

Candidates should have a strong background in quality, extensive project management experience, and the ability to work collaboratively in an innovative and growth-focused team environment. Shurtape values creativity and teamwork and fosters a supportive workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement tools.
• Experience in coaching teams through change.
• Solid background in quality and/or manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Collaborate with management to resolve production deficiencies.
• Conduct customer complaint investigations.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma methodologies

Analytical skills

Project management

Interpersonal communication

Data analysis using Minitab

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a related business or technical discipline

Tools

Excel

Minitab

MS Office

Job description

Job Details

Location: Hickory, NC 28601
Position Type: Full Time
Travel: Negligible
Shift: Day

Company

At Shurtape Technologies, we know how to make things stick. As a leading manufacturer and marketer of adhesive tape, we pride ourselves on creating innovative solutions for a variety of industries.

Why Work with Us?

• A company that truly values your contributions
• A place where you can grow, make an impact, and be part of something meaningful
• A focus on excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring we deliver top-quality, reliable solutions to our customers
• An environment where employees are encouraged to bring their best ideas forward and adopt a growth mindset

Company Values

In addition to being obsessed with our customers, Shurtape is committed to being socially and environmentally responsible. We recognize that our actions today affect our world tomorrow, and we are committed to responsible manufacturing processes that protect the communities in which we operate.

We Ask for the Best, and Offer the Best in Return

We are looking for passionate, innovative individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment to join the Shurtape team. If you’re looking to be part of a forward-thinking, fast-paced, and supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!

Job Summary

The main responsibility of the position is to support the leadership team in achieving cost, revenue, service, and quality objectives via progression towards world class levels; and developing a sustained Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement culture.

Responsibilities

• Provides project leadership regarding cost savings, quality improvement, service improvement, and new product development projects.
• Collaborates with Plant Management, Quality Management, Product Management to identify, reduce, and eliminate chronic sources of customer complaints, raw material quality issues, waste/scrap, and resolve production deficiencies.
• Works closely with Executive and Plant Leadership to select appropriate projects.
• Leads and facilitates improvement projects, utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Conducts statistical assessments with appropriate follow-up work to reduce variability and/or achieve OEE targets.
• Provides summaries, conclusions, and presentations related to project completion and findings.
• Creates key process flows and/or value stream maps.
• Develops recommendations and implements improvements to support corporate and plant goals, requirements, and sustainment of improvements.
• Acts as a technical resource for key products and processes.
• Assists with the maintenance of our ISO system to the appropriate standard.
• Support for ISO quality systems at the corporate and/or plant level.
• Initiates and revises work instructions.
• Conducts customer complaint investigations.
• Refinement of our testing frequencies and methods based on customer needs and statistical analysis.
• Gages R&R studies.
• Promote use of Lean Six Sigma methodology and tools (DMAIC, Lean, Kaizen, Supplier, and Design for Six Sigma).

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge and experience of working with Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement and problem-solving tools and techniques.
• Demonstrated success implementing and delivering results for cross functional Lean Six Sigma Continuous Improvement project teams.
• Ability to understand and constructively challenge current practices in the search for continuous improvement.
• Experience in coaching individuals and teams through change to deliver improvements.
• Self‑directed, yet team oriented work style; creative, problem solving, and assertive; keen ability to prioritize independently with minimal direction beyond initial direction and focus; possesses a high level of initiative and independent work ethic; detail‑oriented and comfortable in a result‑oriented environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; possesses an ability to proficiently communicate verbally and in writing with customers, suppliers, and at various levels in the organization.
• Analytical; strong mathematical aptitude; possesses a natural ability to translate, calculate, interpret, and communicate data; excellent numerical and measurement skills.
• Extensive spreadsheet and database management skills; advanced user of Excel and Minitab for varying, non‑routine, ad hoc statistical analyses and specialized tool development. Capable of analyzing and utilizing data, without becoming lost in the detail.
• Thinks and acts strategically and systematically (i.e. solution oriented rather than fixating on obstacles).
• Ability to multi‑task and prioritize competing work for self and team.
• Exceeds expectations through difficult challenges, finding solutions not problems.
• Motivated to help others deliverables.
• Demonstrated understanding of project management principles.
• Proven written and presentation skills.
• Familiar with ISO 9001 standards.
• Experience with planning methodologies including MRP, ERP, and inventory/supply chain management.
• Competency in MS Office, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and MS Project.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related business or technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical training, or work/military experience.
• Solid background in quality and/or manufacturing, continuous improvement, and/or Lean Six Sigma.
• At least three years’ experience certification with Lean Six Sigma.
• Familiarity with adhesive and web handling manufacturing flows, product lines, and adhesive tape product applications is a plus.
• Professional project management certification preferred.
• Training in change management methodology preferred.

Physical Demands

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Typing
• Talking on the telephone
• Walking through manufacturing plants
• No heavy lifting

Work Environment

Our office is designed to bring people together. It's an open, collaborative space where creativity and teamwork thrive. We believe the best ideas come from shared conversations and we encourage our teams work closely and support one another. To help everyone do their best work, we provide a comfortable and well‑equipped workspace, foster team building through activities and social events, and prioritize work‑life balance, further helping our employees achieve their personal and professional goals. Our company culture values innovation, inclusivity and a positive attitude, with the contributions of each employee driving our overall success.

Equal Opportunity

Shurtape Technologies, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. Shurtape Technologies, LLC does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including identity & expression), medical condition, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business requirement.