Specialist, Continuous Improvement

Job Description:

Position Summary:

Leading and implementation of improvement projects to maximize the use of the company’s resources, seeking cost reduction and optimizing processes flow, including but not limited to: work force optimization, line balancing, space optimization, layout designs, efficiency maximization, etc. Discusses with management, engineering, or other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules and other to facilitate the processes.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conducts kaizen events using CI / IE methodologies to analyze and plan workforce utilization, space requirements, workflow, ergonomics, and layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency. Ensures that processes meet the customer’s expectations, standards and takt time and CS financial targets.
• Create and update capacity studies per customer requirements. (RASIC support with other areas)
• Calculates cycle time, work content in manufacturing cells and stations, plant process staffing requirements and costs.
• Manage SAP to create and modify the labelling process of all the plant.
• Develops CI initiatives to reduce inventory, work in process (WIP), raw materials, and finished goods without affecting customer delivery or decrease in volume.
• Analyses VCM & Plant Margin to develop actions to improve it.
• Analyses Authorized Head Count based on production releases and volume changes.
• Analyses Operational / Financial Efficiency, establishing audits to look for opportunities.
• BOM & Routing Audits to identify financial gaps.
• Create the “Description & Estimation Form” to update the system. (RASIC support with other areas)
• Update and maintain Plant’s layout
• Responsible of Packaging improvements and of calculating containerization for current and new programs, according to customer and CS requirements. (RASIC support with other areas)
• Support operations to meet the lean principles across the plant with all the members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Manage projects at each of their stages: initiating the project, learning about the needs of a business, engaging people from different parts of business, planning, monitoring, controlling, and closing a project.
• Support End of production activities, decommission of equipment.
• Promotes and Supports Employee Suggestion Program.
• Promote and supervise the proper use of system procedures and practices described and written in the administration system of Quality IATF16949 in what’s related to IE and CI.
• Complies with ISO 14001 in what’s related to IE and CI.
• Assist and participate in mandatory training sessions. 
• Do the functions within the interior work guidelines and regulations, Code of conduct, follow Security rules and guidelines, comply with having a cleanliness and Hygienic general environment and follow other policies and procedures. 
• Not limited to other functions assigned by immediate supervisor.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline with one to four years directly related experience preferably in a manufacturing or industrial facility.
• Automotive experience preferred.
• Ability to perform method and time studies.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing techniques (Kanban, Kaizen, Material Flow, JIT, 8 Wastes, VSM)
• Ability to develop and implement manufacturing layout, processes, changes, equipment justifications and ergonomics evaluations.
• Ability to analyse equipment and processes in an industrial environment.
• Constraints Theory
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Experience in management of improvement projects with financial results and approaches.
• Fluent English spoken and written.
• Knowledge of MS Office.
• Knowledge of SAP and AutoCAD.
• Basic knowledge in Covisint or other customer portals.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Pro-active.
• Leadership skills
• Organizational, communication and team skills
• Commitment and Customer Focus

Position Type:

Regular

Additional Locations: 

Additional Information:

Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers. Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether personal, professional, or via education or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing [email protected] with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.

Remote Status:

On-site