Continuous Improvement Engineer at Spartan Motors, Inc. in Bristol, IN

Utilimaster moves ahead of the competition when commercial trucks and upfit services require precision, planning, peerless people, and the perfect vehicle. Our vehicles deliver for well-respected global brands in the package delivery, ecommerce, food and beverage, linen and laundry, grocery and pharmaceutical markets. Utilimaster is a top-tier go-to-market brand of The Shyft Group (NASDAQ: SHYF), North America’s leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets. The Shyft Group rebranded in 2020 to reflect a new focus on high-growth end markets to help ensure long-term profitable growth.

SUMMARY

The Continuous Improvement Engineer position is responsible for leading initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery and cost and will act as a project / Kaizen leader, providing technical expertise in the area of Continuous Improvement and driving results by assisting in the development and execution of a “Shyft Production System”

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, support, and follow-up the transformation to a lean culture at Utilimaster
• Assist, lead, drive, and sustain the cultural and technical changes necessary to make Utilimaster a world-class Lean organization
• Promote the development and implementation of a “Shyft Production System”
• Provide leadership and be a catalyst for implementing Lean Enterprise principles, tools, and techniques
• Coach and lead Lean and continuous improvement projects across the organization
• Constantly strive to optimize work, material, and information flows and processes, eliminate non-value-added activities, weak process design, and improve internal and external customer satisfaction through sustainable processes
• Communicate with cross-functional (engineering, materials, purchasing, sales, etcetera) and cross-location teams to design common work standards, systems, and other elements of superior manufacturing practices
• Support the development and implementation of Lean Production systems design, tools and techniques
• Support the creation of a learning environment/culture through problem solving and envisioning the future state condition
• Facilitate and drive process improvements, efficient plant layouts, quality, cost and safety, using Lean methodologies
• Value stream map (VSM) processes and identify/eliminate waste
• Lead and train Lean programs and Kaizen/Lean events
• Evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of existing continuous improvement projects underway - modify, eliminate, and accelerate as appropriate
• Continually communicate direction and focus
• Establish and communicate performance standards for team members and consistently compare performance against the standards
• Develop, interpret and apply required policies and procedures
• Advise Production Managers on resources, projects, status, and outcomes
• Assist teams with organizing projects; apply formal project management disciplines and train shop floor and office employee in Lean
• Construct, as deliverables, Standardized Work Chart, Job Element Sheet, and Work Combination Sheets as required. Update as required.
• Prepare all required reports and correspondence
• Solve complex problems with minimal assistance
• Technical Writing

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Lean, or Continuous Improvement; minimum of 6 years’ experience with leading Lean/Six Sigma transformations; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Advanced training in Lean Manufacturing, 6S, SMED, Standardized Work, Job Instruction and other continuous improvement methodologies preferred
• Lean, and Toyota Production System (TPS) certifications preferred
• Self-motivated with the ability to stay on task
• Innovative team player with customer perspective as highest priority.
• Intermediate computer skills are required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Commitment to excellence and high standards
• Sound judgment with the ability to make timely, and sometimes difficult, decisions

Proven ability to:

• Handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Lead and energize others and build buy-in with multiple stakeholders
• Versatile, flexible, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities
• Motivated with a high level of energy to champion change
• Leading Lean/Six Sigma transformations.
• Advanced Training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 6S, SMED, and other continuous improvement methodologies preferred
• Willing to travel approximately 15% of the time

Able to:

• Effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Organize time, set schedules, and meet deadlines; leading by example
• Achieve results without direct authority

Strong:

• Communication skills, verbal and written
• Leadership attributes and interpersonal skills
• Project management skills
• Organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills

EDUCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree Preferred, Engineering, Lean Or CI
• Lean or Six Sigma Preferred
• Toyota Production System (TPS) Preferred
• Leading Lean/Six Sigma transformations.
• Advanced Training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 6S, SMED, and other continuous improvement methodologies preferred

This job description is intended to outline those functions typically performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This description is not intended to be all - inclusive or to limit the discretionary authority of supervisors to assign other tasks of similar nature or level of responsibility. Utilimaster reserves the right to change or assign to this position as required.

Utilimaster is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identify, disability or protected veteran status.