Director of Continuous Improvement

Job Overview

A.Y. McDonald Industries is a family of companies that includes A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co., Cambridge Brass, Chicago Fittings Corporation, McDonald Plastic Molding, and Val-Matic Valve & Mfg. Corp. Each subsidiary works to take care of the customer – our boss, but the first step in achieving this goal is taking care of our co-workers. To be a member of A.Y. McDonald Industries means you thrive in a fast paced, innovative, and ever-changing atmosphere. Experience top notch benefits, advancement opportunities, and a team that wants you to succeed!

Summary

Lead and facilitate manufacturing advancements across our independent subsidiary companies. This includes the implementation of processes and systems to standardize operations, reduce costs, maximize productivity and drive continuous improvement across A.Y. McDonald Industries. Key deliverables are strategically integrating continuous improvement initiatives, project planning, and working side-by-side with multiple subsidiary teams to drive and influence project stakeholders every day to deliver world-class manufacturing advancements on time and on budget.  Process improvement and process  implementation to instill systems that eliminate waste and add value to customers.

This position will be based at our facility in Dubuque, IA, with travel to our subsidiaries and vendors in the U.S. and Canada as needed.

Responsibilities

Develop continuous improvement processes and systems to advance the company's mission and objectives while improving revenue, profitability, and growth as an organization. 

Champion continuous improvement centered on PQPC – People Development, Quality Control Techniques, Process Improvements (including Automation), and Cost Reduction.

Successfully lead continuous improvement initiatives by use of the PDCA application; Plan, Do, Check, Act.  Develop and expand PDCA across subsidiaries, departments and manufacturing plants.

Lead and design Lean Manufacturing goals and strategies for improving processes and systems in the organization.

Develop and execute change management plans to address resistance, mitigate risks and maximize coworker adoption of new processes and systems. Responsible for coaching and training coworkers in new processes and manufacturing methods.

Provide direction and leadership for continuous improvements in Safety, Quality, Workplace Organization, Logistics, Maintenance, early equipment and product management and People development.

Provide support and leadership in working with all subsidiaries and impacted departments to deliver process and system improvements with equipment, programs and manufacturing facilities that standardize operational procedures across all A.Y. McDonald Industries, Inc. entities.

Identify continuous improvement process improvements which add direct value to customers. Identify opportunities for process improvement, waste removal, cost reduction, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

Deliver measurable improvement to manufacturing throughput, capacity, and processes.

Some travel between subsidiaries and vendors, both in the US and Canada, will be required.

Qualifications

Requires a B.S. in Business Administration, Operations Management, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Technologies, or similar.

A minimum of five years’ experience with quality improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.

A minimum of five years’ supervisory experience. Ability to manage team members located in other company sites.

Proficiency with 6S, Kaizen, and TQM process evaluation techniques.

Knowledge of machining operations, lean manufacturing, and ERP systems is required.

Strong project management skills with the ability to lead a direct team are required.

An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered

Benefits:

Benefits include major medical (BCBS), Delta dental and vision, company sponsored basic life insurance and short-term disability. Voluntary life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability available. Competitive 401(k) with company matching, generous PTO, 10 paid holidays, and company giveaways, family picnics, and more!

A pre-employment Background Check and 6 panel (no THC) Drug screen required.

A.Y. McDonald Industries is an equal opportunity employer