Continuous Improvement Specialist
Akzo Nobel

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands - including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon - is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today - while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com

© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose

The Continuous Improvement Specialist II role is responsible for championing, developing, and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement (CI) and knowledge about related methodologies/ activities (Lean, Six Sigma, ALPS) across all areas of the site with a strong focus on manufacturing and operations. The end-purpose is to improve the real result key performance indicators (Safety, OTIF, cost, material efficiency, quality, and inventories) of the site. The CI specialist is actively involved in setting up and establishing a support structure to develop CI capabilities and mindset with guidance from central ISC - thus acting as an agent for culture change. This role personifies the Lean Six Sigma (L6S) capabilities and way of solving problems, making decisions and setting standards.

Level of Autonomy

• The role works under the direction of the CI Manager and acts effectively and autonomously to support the operational performance. It analyzes and interprets data and information to recommend solutions.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
• Three+ years of relevant work experience (operations, production, maintenance, logistics, (process) engineering, continuous improvement, etc.)
• Training/ experience in continuous improvement methodologies (such as Lean, Six Sigma, TPM)
• Experience in coaching and engaging others
• Knowledge of business processes within paints and coatings manufacturing is preferred.
• Familiarity with problem-solving methodologies and root cause analysis (5 WHY, 8D, Fishbone)

Job Responsibilities

• Build organizational capabilities by applying continuous improvement tools and methods.
• Work with teams to identify shortcomings, analyze information, research best practices, and develop and implement process solutions.
• Assist the CI Manager in identification, prioritization, and selection of potential projects to optimize existing processes.
• Collect and interpret data and provide quantitative and qualitative insights via analysis and reports.
• Facilitate project activities or autonomously execute improvement projects within a limited scope and a set plan (budget, objectives, and roles) - coordinate, monitor, and drive project activities, manage project risks, changes, and resources, and take corrective actions. Guide and manage expectations of project stakeholders. Hand over projects and evaluate project results.
• Monitor and ensure continuous application of integrated solutions. Support operational processes, techniques, and systems.
• Coach/mentor employees at all levels in the organization about CI principles, concepts, methodologies, and the use of tools, to ensure the timely completion of projects to deliver planned results. Deliver training on ALPS tools and leading ALPS strategy.
• Support ALPS deployment on sites.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID:44502

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Nearest Major Market: Houston

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