Continuous Improvement Manager

Vestcom is the industry leader in technology-driven shelf-edge solutions for Retailers and CPGs. Our data-integrated media solutions drive sales and loyalty, engaging shoppers where it matters most – the point of decision. Our patented innovation has been trusted by top retailers for more than 30 years to drive productivity and profitable growth. For our growing team of over 1000 employees, Vestcom offers the stability of an established company with the entrepreneurial spirit and fast-paced environment of a start-up.

Vestcom’s core values are at the heart of our organization, representing our fundamental beliefs and serving as our guiding light in for how we conduct business and interact with each other.

• OUR TEAMS - Our colleagues and our client define our team.
• OUR INTEGRITY - Our colleagues and clients rely upon us to deliver.
• OUR INGENUITY - Our colleagues and clients look to us for unique solutions.
• OUR PERFORMANCE - Our colleagues and client's team with us to win.

Vestcom is a standalone business unit of Avery Dennison, a Fortune 500 leader in materials science and packaging materials. Learn more at www.vestcom.com.

Develop and implement operating best practices, standard processes, procedures and policies. Drive the Continuous Improvement (CI) vision and inspire others to connect with the vision by implementing lean tools and processes, including gap analysis to current state. Monitor progress to the strategic plan and redirect activities and resources as needed to improve safety and quality, drive cost out of the business, and improve the CI culture and tool usage.  Facilitate cost out improvement opportunities. Support sharing of best practices as result of internal and external benchmarking activities.  Coordinate and develop necessary associate training programs in the areas of equipment, systems, and safety using both external and internal training methods.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Best Practices / Process Improvement

• Provide direct technical support to the production teams for a range of processes including printing, lamination, and distribution.

• Responsible for developing manufacturing instructions and processes to improve safety, quality, cost, and productivity.

• Facilitate reduction in product cost and maintain budget for local project including machine improvements, additional direct labor, etc.

• Provide technical support to sites and aid in improving the coordination and collaboration between departments and teams.

• Support new site openings, site remodels, moves & closures by conducting flow design and space planning.

• Identify, lead and influence projects focused on improved delivery, cost reduction, productivity and simplification of internal processes.

• Provide leadership and facilitation on process innovation tools and data driven methodologies (Lean / Six Sigma, Automated data collection, Analytics)

• Lead targeted Kaizen events to improve business processes and deliver measurable business impact

• Develop communication plans and proactively communicate priorities, progress, status and issues to relevant champions in a clear and succinct way. 

• Set & drive the culture shift to ensure there is sustainable behavioral change. Establish operating rhythms to measure and sustain gains.

• Deploy 5S improvement strategy throughout the business.

• Support the Quality Control functions and related quality assurance activities for all products manufactured by the sites. Conduct periodic audits of operators and procedures across facilities.

• Work cross-functionally and across sites to leverage best practices for standardization that maximizes desired outcomes for the business and our clients.

• Training

  • Develop programs, conduct or arrange for associate training in safety, operational procedures, equipment use, and production systems.

  • Facilitate Kaizen Events and train Site leaders to facilitate events.  

• Other 

  • Other duties as assigned by management.

  • Travel to remote facilities/sites will be required, as necessary (approximately 15%).

  • Establish open communication lines with facility(s) associates, peers, and management in other locations.

  • Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

  • Compliance with applicable Company policies concerning maintaining a drug free workplace is required.

  • Compliance with all Company policies is required including all safety policies and procedures.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; or five years related experience in printing industry or manufacturing environment and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated experience in Process Excellence, Lean and Continuous Improvement

• Proven change management experience driving large organizational change

• Robust data analysis / manipulation skills and tool usage with ability to make data driven decisions through analytical insights

• Ability to perform in a time pressured environment

• Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred

• Experience in implementation of digital tools and project management

• Robust analytical skills and understanding of problem-solving techniques/ tools including Six Sigma, 8D, scorecard, and goal setting.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Must be experienced in Google platform, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Must be experienced in ERP systems.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Moderate working environment (ex: business office with computer and printers, light traffic). In addition, while in manufacturing/production facility, may be exposed to continuous, and high to moderate levels of noise. Hearing protection must be worn at all times. May be exposed to chemicals, inks, and coatings in production/manufacturing environments. Appropriate PPE must be worn, as necessary.

MANAGEMENT DISCLAIMER:

Vestcom’s Management reserves the right to revise, change or modify the duties and responsibilities of this position at any time to meet business and organizational needs. This position description may not list all duties for this position. The incumbent in the position may be asked to perform other duties. This position description is not a contract for employment and either the incumbent or Vestcom may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

If you require accommodations to view or apply for a job, alternative methods are available to submit an application. Please contact (440)534-6000 or [email protected] to discuss reasonable accommodations.