POSITION SUMMARY
The Vice President of Lean Operations will lead the continuous improvement team and be responsible for the prioritisation in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People losses across all plant locations using the compass room process. This position must work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing on continuous opportunity projects for RealTruck. This position will train and coach continuous improvement (CI) resources, including Manufacturing Engineering and Continuous Improvement leaders; TPS and WCM to help guide projects to successful completion. This position will provide technical Lean content expertise and will promote Lean techniques to all resources as they work through the project lifecycle.
CORE FUNCTIONS
· Provide direction to resources based on People Development and Prioritization from top losses in manufacturing operations.
o Direct and manage the location-based CI leaders across all RealTruck locations.
o Direct each resource in timely completion of multiple projects per year using a consistent and standard project template and prioritization through the plant Compass Rooms at each location.
o Develop realistic/aggressive timetables and expectations for the completion of each major phase of a project. Evaluate glide path from each location to deliver YOY net 3% productivity by location.
o Help each location create a rolling 24-month pipeline of gross cost take-out of approximately 8%.
o Conduct regular project reviews and act as a technical adviser. Evaluate manager level performance against expectations and objectives.
o Provide a conduit for coordination and communication of Design Changes via VA/VE and/or “Design to Value” DTV opportunities in the compass room that helps support the gross take out objectives.
o Provide continuous improvement updates to the ELT, CEO, and Board of Directors.
o Determine application proficiency of resources and assess readiness.
· Actively identify and lead activities by functioning as a change leader in the business.
o Influence change in all levels of the business, ensure proper and effective controls and reaction plans are put in place to realise long-term results, provide feedback through voicing concerns and suggesting improvements, and provide core support for training and peer development.
· Design and build a senior level lean training. Develop strategic plan for roll out, capacity of training, and key areas/individuals based on prioritization of loss type derived from Compass Rooms.
· Conduct Lean training.
o Plan and organize materials, environment, employees, lecturers.
o Lead and/or assists in planning courses for all levels in the organization.
o Create a positive learning environment that considers employee expectations and abilities, seeks to clarify key concepts and checks for understanding, and accepts and acts upon feedback provided.
· Acts as a technical reference to Business Leaders on project development.
· Manage the training curriculum by developing training materials for targeted audiences using appropriate time frames and following adult learning theory models.
o Develop concepts and objectives, explain, and demonstrate concepts, provide practical exercises, and summarise concepts.
o Actively seek feedback from peers and employees to improve current materials.
· Prepare for, maintain, and present C-Suite and board level reporting metrics and project status updates summarising complex operational and financial information.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience
· Bachelor’s degree engineering or related field required.
· 15+ years of experience in the manufacturing industry is required, including 10+ years of management experience required.
· 10+ years of experience in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing is required. Experience to include TPS and WCM methodologies.
· Experience in delivering technical training is required.
Required Licenses
· Master Black Belt Certification is required.
Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge
· Facilitation and Lean Manufacturing skills are desirable.
· Proven ability to apply Lean Manufacturing tools, techniques, and methodologies at multiple levels, both internal and external to the organization is required.
· Proficient in the use of office automation tools, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Access), Project Management Application, and Internet Applications.
· Ability to read, analyse, and interpret common scientific technical reports.
· Aptitude for proficiency in the application of advanced math concepts.
· Analytical/quantitative approach to problem solving – Ability to obtain and use data and is comfortable with statistical tools.
· Successfully draws conclusions from raw data using statistical, analytical, methods.
· Familiar with process modeling and evaluation.
Travel
· Domestic and International travel required.
COMPETENCIES
· – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
· – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
· – Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
· – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
· – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
· – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
· – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
· – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
· – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
· – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
· This position delegates authority to carry out work of a unit to subordinate supervisors or managers.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
· This position is subject to Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls require exertion of force greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
Physical Activities
· This position is subject to the following physical activities: reaching, standing, walking, balancing, talking, and hearing.
Visual Acuity
· The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.
Working Conditions
· The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, including heat, noise, vibration, and hazards from a production-based environment.
Perks That Go the Extra Mile :
At RealTruck, we take care of our people—because they drive our success. Enjoy great benefits like medical, dental, and vision coverage, company-paid life insurance and disability, and a 401(k) with company match (eligible the first of the month after you start). Need balance? We’ve got wellbeing days and parental leave. Want to grow? Take advantage of educational reimbursement. Plus, earn referral bonuses and score exclusive employee discounts on RealTruck products. Great benefits. Great people. Even better careers.
RealTruck is the premier manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for truck, Jeep®, Bronco® and off-road enthusiasts around the world. Globally headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, RealTruck’s 6,000+ associates operate from 35+ facilities across four continents. RealTruck’s industry leading product portfolio, which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand, boasts over 1,000 patents and pending applications. The company’s omni-channel retail approach delivers a seamless consumer experience online at RealTruck.com, as well as through its 12,000+ dealer network and automotive (OEM) partnerships.