Sr Continuous Improvement Manager

Comfort starts with our 10,000+ team members across the globe, who are transforming the power of comfort every day. Our employees have the power to change lives, in our homes, work and communities. We foster an inclusive environment while honoring a legacy built on family, where everyone can be themselves.

If you are ready to join an industry leading organization where our people are the most important asset, and innovation propels us into the future, you're ready to take your seat at La-Z-Boy Incorporated.

WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF COMFORT

Job Summary:

This position will provide the leadership to implement our overall Continuous Improvement strategy that focuses on Lean Transformation and Strategic Initiatives. This position will also support efforts in Process Improvement, Global Standards & Training. This position works in partnership with all CI team members as well as critical supply chain partners to develop and execute La-Z-Boy CI strategy across Global operations. This role will also support critical aspects of TranZform implementation and support Focused Improvement Teams (FIT) to realize significant operational savings through the elimination of waste throughout the Supply Chain, including all manufacturing sites, supply centers, RDC's and R&D. Our ultimate goal is the seamless flow of material through our sites - from incoming raw materials to our customers.

Job Description:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

• Lead the Continuous Effort in driving lean transformation and supporting Strategic Initiatives.
• Acts as a Senior leader of the CI Leadership team that develops, leads and supports the execution of the overall Continuous Improvement Strategy for all of Supply Chain.
• Coaches and develops teams (Operations, Business, CI) of both hourly and salary associates to drive improvement activities using lean methodology and thinking.
• Builds Trust with Operations/CI Leadership team through direct engagement and strong relationship building.
• Leads Teams by example - hands on attitude.
• Supports the CI progress throughout the division using key metrics such as Cost of Quality, Cost/EU, OEE, Number of Completed Kaizen Events, Kaizen Savings, etc.
• Facilitates Lean Training at all levels of the organization while driving Center of Excellence standards and layouts creating best practices across the Supply Chain
• Investigate and recommend new manufacturing methods, machinery, and equipment to increase productivity, reduce waste and reduce cost.
• Drives value stream transformation efforts and thinking and analyzes value stream opportunities to drive improvements.
• Leverages best practices across sites and throughout the organization.
• Leads/Mentors in an environment in which all team members are respected and motivated to improve their team contributions to achieve organization goals. Fosters our "Team First" thought process.
• Exhibits Managerial Courage - tactfully dispenses direct and actionable feedback; is open and direct with others without being intimidating.
• Apply statistical methods in driving problem solving throughout the organization
• Identifies the need and creates Global Standards and Playbooks that comprise Tranzform Lean Tools and methodologies.

SCOPE & IMPACT:

This role leads the Supply Chain organization's value stream transformation efforts by designing future state and aligning resources to execute efforts. This role will also be instrumental in supporting the development of strategic initiatives in the Operations/CI Organization and implementing on initiatives. Supports the implementation of critical elements of TranZform to create a robust Continuous Improvement culture that is focused on leadership understanding the needs of the front-line teams and taking appropriate action to address those needs. Is the subject matter expert for all Principals and Elements within TranZform (the La-Z-Boy Production System).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field with 8-10 years of experience or equivalent
• 10+ years of supervisory/leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of developing direct reports
• Must have an expert level understanding of process improvement tools such as Kaizen, Six sigma, PDCA, 5S, VSM, Standard Work, TPM, Material Replenishment & Flow, etc.
• Firsthand Kaizen experience is a must. Has successfully led a minimum of 25 Kaizen Events.
• Demonstrated experience changing the culture of a large organization. Has led Multiple Lean Transformations.
• Previous experience providing Lean training.
• Plant / Operations Management Experience
• Travel Required: 50% to 70%

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in engineering or related field
• Six Sigma Certification
• ASQ Certification

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrates strong leadership skills along with high level of integrity and professionalism.
• Excellent Analytical, oral / written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong Business and Financial Acumen.
• System Thinker - ability to see and understand overall picture.
• Strong facilitation skills, change management experience and project management.
• Excellent presentation skills to effectively share successes.
• Team Building Experience
• Strategic Planning / Development Experience

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: up to 5 direct reports and 10 indirect reports

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Ability to spend significant time on your feet, monitoring and assessing waste on the shop floor.

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Weekly Hours:

40

Benefits for Employees in the US:

Benefit offerings to employees and their families include: Medical, Vision, Dental and Basic Life Insurance, available 401k retirement plan with company match of up to 6%. Paid time off includes: 9-11 paid holidays each year, two weeks' prorated vacation as a new hire and either personal time (non-exempt only) or state mandated sick time.

More information can be found via: https://learn.bswift.com/la-z-boy

If this role requires travel / driving in order to perform the key responsibilities outlined above, candidates must be able to meet the qualifications noted in the company's Driver Management Program to be considered for the role.

At La-Z-Boy Incorporated, we're an equal opportunity employer. We understand that our employees' diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to our ability to create and deliver the best possible service, quality products, and is of utmost importance as we work together to build comfort. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We are committed to fostering an environment in which all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and bring great ideas to the table. If you are a qualified individual that may need a change or adjustment to the application/interviewing/hiring process as a result of your disability, you may request a reasonable accommodations by emailing our recruiting team at recruiting@la-z-boy.com or by calling 734-242-1444.