Job Overview

We are currently looking for a Continuous Improvement Champion to join our team onsite in Holland, MI. Posting lists minimum experience, however, the level of position will be determined by your experience.

As a Continuous Improvement Champion, you will:

This role will support the greater enterprise (outside NA manufacturing) and will be able to create the Leadership Operating System used across the globe. In addition, it will help the international plants grow the continuous improvement culture. This CI Champion will plan, monitor and manages internal projects from initiation through completion. Secure required resources and uses formal processes and tools to manage resources, budgets, risks and changes. Manage projects to ensure on-time completion according to specifications and within budgeted costs. Analyze and measures the effectiveness of existing business processes and develops sustainable, repeatable and quantifiable business process improvements. Research best business practices within and outside the organization to establish benchmark data. Collect and analyzes process data to initiate, develop and recommend business practices and procedures that focus on enhanced safety, increased productivity and reduced cost | Determines how new information technologies can support reengineering business processes. May specialize in one or more of the following areas: benchmarking, business process analysis and reengineering, change management and measurement, and/or process-driven systems requirements Requires in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in own job discipline and basic knowledge of related job disciplines. Solves complex problems. Works independently, receives minimal guidance. May lead projects or project steps within a broader project or may have accountability for ongoing activities or objectives. Identifies and implements Haworth Management System (HMS) (Haworth equivalent of Toyota Production System [TPS]) principles and continuous improvement processes, training, facilitation, and assessment.  Assures programs are of highest quality to ensure success of program.  Process work will be required across every segment of value stream. Act as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Job Responsibilities

• As part of core group of corporate Continuous Improvement Champions, works at every level of organization to implement HMS principles and drive continuous improvement across every functional area.
• Designs, develops, and/or researches new HMS principles or improvements to facilitate continuous improvement across marketing, engineering, manufacturing, distribution, field operations, sales, and administration.
• Provides comprehensive program for training, implementation, facilitation, and assessment to ensure implementation success.
• Coordinates and plans resources for training, including preparing and ordering training materials, scheduling, and budget management; delivers and evaluates training to ensure members and managers are integrating HMS principles.
• Analyzes program progress, utilizing problem solving, surveys, and assessments to understand areas for continuous improvement of HMS programs.
• Reports periodically to vice-president regarding team performance, implementation schedules, performance to measures, and assessments of status of HMS or Continuous Improvement Process.
• Performs other duties within scope as assigned.
• Must be able to perform all essential job function with/without accommodation.
• Ability to effectively use office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
• Maintains up-to-date, state-of-the-art knowledge of HMS techniques.  Shares information with other members via training and/or day-to-day contact to maintain most efficient environment possible.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelors degree in engineering or equivalent in relevant field of study
• Education Equivalency: Associate Degree plus 2 years related exp OR 4 years additional continuous improvement experience

Work Experience:

• 5 years continuous improvement experience with Bachelor’s Degree
• 3 years continuous experience with Master’s Degree
• Military Equivalency: https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military

Additional Required Qualifications:

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including international. 
• Must possess an unrestricted right to work in the US to be eligible for the position
• Ability to work and commute onsite daily to our headquarters in Holland, MI. This is an on-site position, no remote opportunity.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7 or more years of continuous improvement experience
• Experience leading in a large global lean organization
• Change management experience

Ideally, you have also demonstrated the following

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, facilitation, problem-solving, and planning skills 
• Ability to work as individual and/or as member of team
• Strong organizational and project management skills