Continuous Improvement Lead

Barry-Wehmiller Companies Inc

Des Moines, IA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Business Operations, Change Management, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Documentation, Driver's License, Financial Analysis, Interpersonal Skills, Knowledge Transfer, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, Logistics, Machining, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Metal Manufacturing, Metrics, Operational Improvement, Operations Management, Organizational Skills, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Project Evaluation, Project Management Professional (PMP), Project/Program Management, Reporting Dashboards, Root Cause Analysis, Six Sigma Black Belt, Six Sigma Green Belt, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Value Stream Mapping, Welding, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Des Moines, IA
POSTED
30+ days ago

About Us:

Job Description:

The Continuous Improvement Leader is a strategic change agent responsible for advancing and sustaining a culture of operational excellence across the organization. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify, lead, and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles and Barry Wehmiller Continuous Improvement methodologies. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with strong leadership and coaching capabilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Champion and coach global best practices in Lean, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence across the business. • Apply Lean methodologies and tools to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and enhance productivity and quality. • Plan, execute, and evaluate improvement projects using the Plan-Do-Check-Adjust (PDCA) cycle. • Facilitate Kaizen and other CI events, such as 7S, TPM, setup reduction, and value stream/process mapping. • Collaborate with stakeholders to define project goals, scope, deliverables, risks, and success metrics. • Drive team member buy in and engagement through thoughtful change management planning and execution. • Lead improvement initiatives from concept through execution, ensuring timely and successful outcomes. • Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and visual management tools to support data-driven decisions. • Guide cross-functional teams in root cause analysis and develop actionable recommendations for performance improvement. • Support standardization efforts by documenting processes, deliverables, and best practices. • Deliver training and coaching on Lean tools, principles, and problem-solving techniques to team members at all levels, ensuring knowledge transfer so team members can apply skills independently. • Promote and embed a continuous improvement mindset throughout the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field. • Minimum of 5 years of experience leading Lean and continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or business environment. • Proven track record of implementing successful process improvement projects. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. • Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or Project Management methodologies; certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or PMP are preferred. • Excellent facilitation, coaching, and interpersonal communication skills. • Strong ability to drive change by gaining buy in and engagement of employees. • Demonstrated ability to lead without authority and influence cross-functional teams. • Strong knowledge of metal manufacturing processes (ie: cutting, welding, assembly and machining), material logistics, manufacturing engineering and quality as well as good understanding of the interface with other support function processes. • Demonstrated ability to understand and use financial data and analysis in problem solving. • Promotion of team spirit and lean mindset development while providing coaching to various levels of team members through the Change Management process.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• During the first year(s), this position involves regular travel - typically three days per week to regional office located within a few hours drive. • This is an office position that spends significant time in a manufacturing facility. The employee must be fit to use stairs/walk/stand for 4+ hours a day, hold valid drivers license and current passport, be able to travel by plane, correctly wear and use any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the manufacturing location.

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At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Company:

About the Company

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Barry-Wehmiller Companies Inc