Continuous Improvement Lean Advisor - Corporate

Dotson Iron Castings; Fort Mill (SC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Dotson Iron Castings is seeking a Continuous Improvement Advisor to lead manufacturing process enhancements across facilities. The role focuses on applying Lean methodologies (5S, VSM, SMED, TPM, Kaizen) to improve efficiency and cost savings.

Travel about 50% is required, and the candidate will mentor CI staff and collaborate with CI Director, managers, and engineers. The position requires extensive Lean experience in manufacturing settings, with strong leadership and cross-functional

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 6 years with a Master’s.
• Lean Subject Matter Expert.
• Manufacturing experience in a Lean/Engineering position.
• Understanding and use of Lean methodologies and principles.
• ISO9001 certification and/or auditing experience.
• 12 years manufacturing experience in a Lean and/or Engineering position (preferred).
• Certified Lean training (preferred).
• Automotive or Medical industry experience (preferred).
• Safely work within an industrial facility; lifting 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Analyze designs, methods and internal manufacturing processes
• Develop strategies and initiatives for operational efficiency
• Implement process improvements and changes in manufacturing methods
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies (5S, VSM, SMED, TPM, Kaizen)
• Support CI Director, Managers, Supervisors, and Engineers in Lean implementation
• Conduct Lean Assessments at each facility and develop improvement plans with CI staff
• Develop and train CI group in Kaizen methods and coaching
• Develop and implement Model Lines under CI leadership
• Use existing CI Lean training classes to support methods throughout facilities
• Work independently to meet scheduled goals
• Remote position depending on location to MPS location
• Managing large projects with limited oversight
• Coaching, reviewing and delegating work to lower-level professionals
• Handle complex problems
• 50% average travel required

Skills

Lean leadership

Process analysis

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement Advisor focuses on manufacturing operational improvement and cost savings to improve the organization’s profitability and efficiency.

Job Duties

• Analyze designs, methods and internal manufacturing processes
• Develop strategies and initiatives for operational efficiency
• Implement process improvements and changes in manufacturing methods
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives using various Lean methodologies and principles (e.g., 5S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Kaizen, etc.)
• Support CI Director, Managers, Supervisors, and Engineers in the implementation of Lean methods and principles throughout the nine facilities.
• Conduct Lean Assessments at each facility as a baseline and develop a plan of improvement with CI staff.
• Develop and train CI group in Kaizen methods, supporting their development to become independent trainers.
• Develop and implement Model Lines under the direction of the CI Director and General Managers.
• Use existing CI Lean training classes to support existing methods throughout the facilities.
• Work independently to meet scheduled goals.
• Remote position depending on location to MPS location.
• Managing large projects or processes with limited oversight from manager.
• Coaching, reviewing and delegating work to lower-level professionals.
• Problems faced are difficult and often complex.
• 50% average travel required.

Experience and Education

• A minimum of 8 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or equivalent experience.
• Lean Subject Matter Expert.
• Manufacturing experience in a Lean and/or Engineering position
• Understanding and use of Lean methodologies and principles
• Development of Kaizen schedule with full planning, facilitation, and follow-up experience.
• Implementation of Lean programs with buy-in at every level of the organization.
• ISO9001 certification and/or auditing experience.
• 12 years manufacturing experience in a Lean and/or Engineering position (preferred)
• Certified Lean training (preferred)
• Automotive or Medical industry experience (preferred)
• Safely work within an industrial facility both in the aisles and in the assembly, machining, and foundry areas, lifting 50 lbs.

Competencies/ Skills

• Oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
• English competency. Spanish optional