Lean Technician

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

The Lean Technician will lead and / or support lean projects that directly affect New Product Introductions and Functional Area Continuous Improvement (CI) Initiatives that direct impact Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost saving opportunities.

The Lean Technician will take day to day direction from the Lean Six Sigma Project Engineers while they work in concert with cross-functional teams from multiple departments to support achieving the operational goals established by senior leadership.

There are three levels of Lean Technician which will be based on the individuals meeting the required and preferred qualifications. These qualifications will be reviewed with the Lean Technician at least annually and opportunities provided to advance as qualifications are achieved.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collect and analyze data to develop statistical problem and goal statements to deliver on annual objectives.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects to execute Kaizen/ Rapid Improvement Events in a team environment.
• Participate in developing an integrated plan to sequence and drive plans into our manufacturing processes and improved material flow and deliver on short and long-term objectives.
• Provide frequent updates in an effective and efficient manner to employees and leaders as it relates to project task completion and impact.
• Participate in implementing change management methods to help inform, engage, and commit employees to delivering on project deliverables and objectives.
• Develop, identify, and share best practices, methods, and ideas across the organization as they apply to driving standardization and results.
• Contribute to the development of plan options in collaboration with factory leadership to improve current state capabilities and position the organization to reach the future state plan.
• Participate in annual business planning with Operations Leadership to drive growth through new product introductions.
• Lead training exercises with Kimber employees, demonstrating an ability to instruct, communicate with, and relate to employees at all levels, successfully instructing them on specific tasks and processes, so that they are able to demonstrate back how to properly execute said process steps and procedures.
• Interpret customer needs and requirements and translate them into existing capabilities and best practices.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and quantify results and trends.
• Develop Standardized Work, Work Instructions and other operational procedures under the direction of the Lean Six Sigma Engineer and Operational Leaders.
• Adhere and monitor Standard Operating Procedures
• Effectively communicate and notify lean engineers and operations leadership when there are any discrepancies.
• Complete other duties as assigned by engineering and operations leadership.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The successful candidate will possess at least 3 years of manufacturing experience and exposure to Lean Methodologies in high volume manufacturing processes.
• Experience in continuous improvement projects, participating in Rapid Kaizen Events
• Good communication skills both verbal and written.
• Cross functional team member with high levels of professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm
• Must be able to work accurately and efficiently in a fast work environment that has the potential to change due to regulatory and business needs.
• Need to be detail oriented and highly organized with the ability to multi-task.
• Experience working independently with limited supervision.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Three or more years of manufacturing experience with a broad knowledge of standard practices to include, assembly, material flow and quality control methods.

Preferred:

• Associates Degree in a technical field or higher
• Knowledge of firearms; quality, features, safety, etc.

• Experience in continuous improvement projects, participating in Rapid Kaizen Events
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification or better through ASQ or equivalent certification.

LEVELS:

Lean Technician I

Must have experience in one or more functional manufacturing areas.

Must be able to perform assigned tasks with limited instruction and delivers on statistical results.

Must be able to develop a Lean project plan with some assistance.

Lean Technician II

Must have experience in multiple functional manufacturing area.

Must be able to perform assigned tasks without instruction.

Must be able to identify potential projects with limited instruction, develop project plans and delivers on statistical results.

Must be able to develop a Lean project plan without assistance.

Lean Technician III

Must have or complete their Green Belt within one year of accepting the position.

Must be familiar with all the functional areas and the roles that they play in Lean.

Must be able to train others in lean tasks.

Must be able to identify potential projects and scope them without assistance, develop project plans and delivers on statistical results.

Must be able to develop and present project to team.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret quality performance reports and create solutions.
• Ability to write and edit Work Instructions and Standard Work documents
• Ability to effectively present information to management and peers.
• Functional knowledge of Lean terms and their practical meaning

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as basic probability and statistics, geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

This position requires various reasoning abilities in order to be successful such as:

• Ability to collect and document data
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to perform complex and varied tasks
• Ability to perform simple, repetitive tasks for an extended period of time

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Ability to perform at a moderate level in Excel (spreadsheet set-up, pivot tables, charting and graphing)
• Ability to perform at a moderate level in Word and Power-Point
• Some exposure to MRP systems.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

Attendance is an essential job requirement defined as having regular, consistent, reliable, punctual and predictable attendance including the ability to work regular hours and shifts, overtime before and after shifts and on weekends. Ability to work as part of a team, including all related departments/plants or independently as required to achieve internal and external customer satisfaction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

While performing the duties of the job the employee works in a manufacturing environment and may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to touch, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, or crouch.

The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds. The vision requirements include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

This position requires compliance with the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). Must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by all pertinent regulations and are required to show proof substantiating this upon being hired.

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 employee for this job. Activities, duties and/or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice at the sole discretion of the Company.