Specialist Continuous Improvement

Location: Plymouth, IN / Bluffton, IN

Summary: 

The Continuous Improvement Specialist will help create a zero-loss culture within our manufacturing network, by supporting process improvements and building operator capabilities in a continuous improvement environment.  This candidate will teach, coach, influence, and act as an ambassador contributing to the development of a continuous improvement culture and mindset in our Hershey Lean vision.  A core function of the role will be managing Redzone and supporting the implementation of Hershey Lean and all standards associated with them. 

He / she will implement tracking processes and maintain the loss data on the lines to ensure top losses are being addressed.  The loss data will enable the development of our zero-loss diagnostic tool designed to support a CI Plan to meet the savings targets for the organization. 

Responsibilities: 

• Drive daily problem solving and data driven planning as the problem-solving leader for targeted manufacturing operations.
• Work with CI Manager and Plant Leadership team to execute standards using daily management systems through Redzone and S4.

• Complete CI Training in the use of basic root cause analysis tools, 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto, SMED.
• Provide expertise in all areas of waste reduction, simplification, Lean, Six Sigma, and quality improvement methods.
• Support Food Safety and Quality Initiatives within all locations.
• Work with Training Supervisors to support training for front-line operators for the use of Redzone and Hershey Lean tools.

• Learn Redzone to support Administrative functions associated with management of data in Redzone.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated change management skills.
• Able to develop action plans based on problems identified on the floor.

• Patience, perseverance, flexibility, and a passion to drive Lean culture across all facilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experienced in data collection and analysis.

• Preferred experience with Redzone, PowerApps, PowerBI, S4, O365 tools

• Ability to work in a high pressure, results-driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience in Lean

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:  

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3 to 5 Years’ experience in an automated manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and TPM is preferred.
• Knowledge of Redzone is preferred.
• Previous experience in facilitating training with by hourly and salaried employees is preferred.

• Ability to travel up 20% to various facilities in the US.
• Facilitation and team building experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and coach others.