Continuous Improvement Leader

Shurtape Industrial; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Shurtape Industrial in Hickory, NC is seeking a qualified individual to lead Lean Six Sigma projects aimed at enhancing quality, reducing costs, and improving service. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree and extensive experience with Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Responsibilities include collaborating with management, conducting statistical analyses, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates must have strong communication skills and a proactive work ethic in a supportive work environment that values innovation and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement tools.
• Experience in cross-functional project teams.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and mathematical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Six Sigma projects for quality and cost improvements.
• Collaborate with management to tackle customer complaints.
• Conduct statistical assessments to reduce variability.
• Facilitate Lean Six Sigma methodology and tools.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Project Management

Statistical Analysis

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a related business or technical discipline

Tools

Excel

Minitab

MS Office

Job description

Summary of Position

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 to develop a sustained Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead projects related to cost savings, quality improvement, service improvement, and new product development.
• Collaborate with Plant Management, Quality Management, and Product Management to identify, reduce, and eliminate chronic sources of customer complaints, raw material quality issues, waste/scrap, and production deficiencies.
• Work closely with Executive and Plant Leadership to select appropriate improvement projects.
• Lead and facilitate improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Conduct statistical assessments and follow-up work to reduce variability and achieve OEE targets.
• Provide summaries, conclusions, and presentations related to project completion and findings.
• Create key process flows and/or value‑stream maps.
• Develop recommendations and implement improvements to support corporate and plant goals.
• Act as a technical resource for key products and processes.
• Assist with maintenance of the ISO quality system to the appropriate standard.
• Support ISO quality systems at the corporate and/or plant level.
• Initiate and revise work instructions.
• Conduct customer complaint investigations.
• Refine testing frequencies and methods based on customer needs and statistical analysis.
• Perform Gage 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 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 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; highly initiative and independent work ethic; detail‑oriented and comfortable in a results‑oriented environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; proficient verbal and written communication with customers, suppliers, and at various levels in the organization.
• Strong analytical and mathematical aptitude; 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 statistical analyses and tool development.
• Strategic and systematic thinking (solution‑oriented).
• 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 equivalent combination of education, training, or work/military experience.
• Solid background in quality and/or manufacturing, continuous improvement, and/or Lean Six Sigma.
• At least three years’ experience and 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.
• Typing.
• Talking on the telephone.
• Walking through manufacturing plants.
• No heavy lifting.

Work Environment

The office is designed to bring people together in an open, collaborative space that encourages imagination and teamwork. The culture values innovation, inclusivity, and a positive attitude. Employees have opportunities for professional growth and a supportive environment that fosters performance and work‑life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.