Continuous Improvement Manager at Sportech, LLC – Elk River, Minnesota

Sportech is a rapidly growing company in Elk River, MN. We are looking for talented people who wish to join a values-based company that desires to help our people and customers win. We design, manufacture, and assemble cab components and systems for the powersports, golf and turf, industrial and agricultural end markets. Our design and engineering capabilities allow us to provide complex components and assemblies to our original equipment manufacturer customers. We are always on the gas and seeking dynamic, enthusiastic, and motivated individuals to join our extraordinary team.

Sportech offers eligible full-time employees a robust and competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision plan options, including flexible spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCA)
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Basic life insurance and voluntary life insurance
• Hospital indemnity plans, pet insurance, and legal/identity theft services
• 401k plan with up to a 4% employer match
• Paid company holidays, paid vacation, and paid volunteer time
• Sportech Learning Academy (SLA) with courses offered onsite quarterly, focusing on personal and professional growth and development for employees, and tuition reimbursement options for courses completed outside of Sportech

Further benefits information is provided as part of the offer process for any offer extended by Sportech. Pay varies by position and is based on multiple factors including labor market data and, depending on position, may include education, work experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and/or certifications. Additionally, Sportech takes into account the internal equity of current employees when considering compensation. Sportech’s reasonable and good-faith estimate for the range of new hire compensation at the time of posting for this position is between $90,000 - $115,000 annually. Pay may also include variable compensation from time to time such as overtime for non-exempt positions, shift differential for specific shifts, and/or bonus targets (subject to plan eligibility and other requirements).

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement Manager will have a "process improvement and ownership attitude" to provide leadership and support of overall enterprise objectives. This position is an enterprise-wide position, this individual will have input in all areas of the business including, NPD, Sales Operations, Engineering and Operations.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with key stakeholders in the business.
• Recommend, support, and implement plans for improved safety, quality, delivery and cost.
• Improve business processes by utilizing continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Interact and provide insight and influence at all levels of the business in leading and encouraging continuous improvement initiatives.
• Track, maintain, and report on continuous improvement initiatives and impacts throughout the organization.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead with a visible and engaged leadership style that empowers and promotes involvement, communication, clear expectations, accountability, and a passion for excellence.
• Develop and lead world class processes in alignment with company vision.
• Support the ongoing development of a plant wide continuous improvement culture. Lead projects to drive employee engagement, increase organizational capabilities and develop a culture of change agents.
• Facilitate problem solving within department and with cross functional teams.
• Identify opportunities to drive out waste and improve profitability and process efficiency.
• Provide expertise and develop relevant training and coaching regarding waste reduction, lean concepts, value stream mapping and cost improvement methods.
• Collaborate with the finance department to ensure improvements are being tracked, monitored, and achieving financial improvements stated into original scope of projects.
• Recommend, support, and implement improvements, modifications, or additions that will improve work processes.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and apply new and emerging technology as appropriate to meeting company vision and capacity expansions.
• Develop Business Cases (ROI) for capital projects.
• Coach, mentor, develop, and grow direct reports.
• Manage and hold team accountable to organization policies and procedures.
• Lead by example and in alignment with company core values.

• Bachelor's Degree in related field strongly preferred
• 8+ years manufacturing and continuous improvement experience required.
• Demonstrated motivational, leadership, and coaching skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Analytically minded and data driven.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and engineering processes.
• Demonstrated ability to implement change in a way that positively impacts overall department and company performance.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excels at working in a team environment with a high level of people/interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to cross functionally drive results.
• Ability to adapt to change in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Some travel required.