Continuous Improvement Process Engineer

Cremer North America
United States, Ohio, Cincinnati
Apr 25, 2025
Continuous Improvement Process Engineer PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES (SUMMARY) Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, the continuous improvement process engineer is responsible for leading, developing, and maintaining (together with Production leadership), a work environment characterized by a commitment to continuous improvement. The Continuous Improvement Process Engineer also must lead, co-implement updated processes, procedures, and system improvements in the production facilities; these processes and procedures should generate long-term benefits that involve the entire workforce. The continuous improvement methods implemented should include programs such as World Class Manufacturing (WCM), 5S, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Quick Changeovers (SMED), Autonomous Maintenance, Problem Solving and Value Stream Analysis to drive out waste and improve productivity. This role is a key position responsible for the delivery of process innovation and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple plants within the complex. It will play an important role in helping to foster a culture of sustainable change through the creation and embedding of World Class Manufacturing (WCM)/LEAN methodology, and the supporting framework, to deliver business transformation. POSITION REQUIREMENTS Education, Credentials, Licenses: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering required, or 5+ years related experience in a manufacturing environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience Kind & Length of Experience: Minimum 6 years proven continuous improvement analytical experience from a similar role, including project management and business analysis Previous experience with World Class Manufacturing strongly desired Lean certification strongly desired Leadership/Trainer experience, in addition to industry experience, a plus Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO) Experience working in regulated industries and familiar with contract manufacturing highly preferred Strong with Microsoft suite of products Experience working in a global organization preferred PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND STANDARDS Continuous Improvement Program: Manages efforts to identify root causes of issues negatively impacting production objectives, including: Partners with Operations to drive to Zero downtime and Zero Defects. Facilitates Root Cause and Corrective Actions used systematic problem-solving tools (eg. PDCA / DMAIC ). Performs time studies and workflow analysis for production Provides work content data support to senior leadership for labor ROI Implements and maintains processes that sustain continuous improvement gains. Leads or conducts studies in safety, cost, quality, productivity, flow, value stream mapping Leads and coordinates a wide variety of identified and approved initiatives and projects designed to improve processes and performance in all production facilities Establish, lead, and maintain a local WCM/Continuous Improvement Steering Committee Facilitate the selection, scope, and planning of specific improvement projects Identify goals for CI events and potential quantifiable savings Identify resource requirements and ROI estimates for improvement projects Lead Kaizen events and maintain reporting on events, event outcomes and action plans, and follow-up measurement results Participate actively to prove process concepts as well as implementation of improvement activities Monitor and maintain event schedules Follow up and audit event progress to ensure results are achieved and sustained Resolve implementation issues / create and manage implementation communication process Participate in new product development and/or product change initiatives Analyze manufacturing processes to identify and realize efficiency gains during new product introduction and/or product changes Training: Train production employees on World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodology and other continuous improvement tools and processes Train "change agent" employees, in all aspects of WCM manufacturing, waste reduction, team effectiveness and continuous improvement Develop training materials and effectively deliver those materials in a team environment to ensure employees throughout the facilities are trained in CI concepts and philosophy Facilitate and mentor CI events and teams Reporting: Establish appropriate measurement systems to identify opportunities and to quantify implemented improvements Lead teams to develop appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) for their products, process, or function Participate with the local and global engineering teams on changes to and evolution of the World Class Manufacturing System. Participates in Customer facing partnership meetings to improve reliability, quality and cost reductions. Leads and executes all Visual Factory (VF) related objectives. Drives continuous progression in VF. Creates project proposals for Manufacturing Engineering using GEMBA data. Verifies leadership standard work is up-to-date, executed and best practices are used. Other duties Providing leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment Employee can be asked to perform other duties that are reasonable within the area of expertise Skills and Competencies Must have a high level of self-motivation At ease and engaging as a Trainer and agent of change Strong written and verbal communication skills Strong organizational skills Highly results oriented and focused on business priorities, with a successful record of accomplishments Ability to effectively manage multiple assignments concurrently, including ability to assess and manage priorities Self-starter with analytical skills, able to identify problems and/or opportunities for improvement, assesses viable solutions, and develops and executes complex projects and comprehensive action plans Travel Requirements Some internation travel and domestic travel less than 10% Peter Cremer Training Required We will follow the company written training program for this position. Customer Service, Teamwork & Code of Conduct Maintain a safe, legal and environmentally protective operation Listen to our customers, suppliers and employees Respond quickly to customer concerns Maintain training and follow set guidelines to meet customer or industry regulatory requirements for quality and safety applicable to GMP, quality and food safety requirements Report any food safety, security, and / or quality issues to management or the HACCP team to initiate action Provide flexible and innovative strategies to support new business opportunities Be cost effective in the utilization of our resources, thereby contributing to the profitability of Cremer North America, LP and our customers Strive for continued improvement Willing and eagerness to learn Maintain positive attitude.