Continuous Improvement Manager

• Provides leadership and strategic thinking for implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leads the continuous improvement process (e.g. behaviors, attitude and culture), working with others to develop, implement and sustain a continuous improvement program based upon lean principles that supports meeting financial goals and objectives.
• Lead the implementation of operating processes and systems that deliver consistent year over year continuous improvement opportunities.
• Leads, identifies and defines scope of continuous improvement planning and activities.
• Lead and support the organization to identify opportunities and works closely with technical resources to help drive efficiencies and best practices.
• Teaches and models root cause analysis, problem solving, and actions to prevent recurrence, standard work and follow-up.
• Be a change agent helping organization to manage changes, challenges existing processes that create waste and non-value added work.
• Coaches, guides and/or leads cross functional teams to achieve resolution of assigned projects.
• Monitor data and metrics to identify areas of waste and prioritize the development of actions plans and implementation of solutions.
• Teaches and models tools and concepts Lean, CI and Six Sigma, facilitates kaizen and problem solving events.
• Provide appropriate documentation and project update communication to Stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 4-year degree in science, engineering, management, or related field.
• Lean certification.
• 10+ years of experience in operations environment including a minimum of 8+ years of successful leadership in executing continuous improvement/lean efforts and enabling efficiency, effectiveness, and tangible financial benefits.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional improvement initiatives across key business areas (manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, safety, quality, engineering, etc.)
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing/continuous improvement methodologies and ability to develop and deliver training and model them.
• Must have strong analytical and business judgment including demonstrated problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills.
• Ability to influence, mentor and coach to get results through the enterprise.
• Experienced in designing and implementing operational metrics to drive business performance improvements (e.g., balance scorecard).
• Proven experience driving results consistent with Wagner’s growth strategies.
• Solves highly complex problems and prioritizes actions in a timely manner.
• Establish clear directions, set stretching objectives. Lays out work in a well-planned and organized manner and brings out the best in people through leveraging their strengths.
• Must be mobile and able to take on broader assignments for additional development opportunities.

• Emotional Intelligence: Influences others, listens openly and sends convincing messages; negotiates and resolves disagreements, is cooperative and collaborative.
• Ability to problem-solve.
• Ability to concentrate on tasks, make decisions and work calmly and effectively in a high-pressure, deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize and accurately prioritize work, be detail-oriented, understand when urgency is required and use good judgment in varied situations.
• Have strong bias for action, while proving the ability to inspire others.
• Convey high level of optimism while setting aggressive targets to teams, finding ways to achieve them.
• Communicates a compelling vision and inspired sense of purpose.
• Able to build strong and diverse relationships across the business groups they collaborate with. Supports and fosters change.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of employees and customers

• MBA preferred
• Lean Manager Certified preferred

• Location of this position is in Plymouth, Minnesota
• This position may require 15% travel – ability to travel internationally