The main objective of this position is to champion continuous improvement to any process or system (mfg, maintenance, logistics, office, etc) specifically as it relates to the DRC RG business in support of the IR Plant Manager. This position acts as a change agent using Lean and other technical tools to deliver breakthrough improvement in safety, productivity, quality, operational cost and customer service. In addition this position needs to develop and provide technical support and expertise in DRC process and to develop basic understanding of the DRC Base Paper process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Champion efforts in continuously improving the processes and systems in order to meet or exceed key metrics as defined by the DRC RG business. It should be recognized that performance of the Senior Continuous Improvement Process Engineer will be evaluated relative to these metrics.
• Design, develop, test and evaluate integrated production systems including production processes, human work factors, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, inventory, quality, and production control.
• Develop manufacturing methods, work standardization, labor standards and cost analysis systems using them to implement metrics to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
• Develops a depth of expertise in the DRC manufacturing process (ranging from base sheet creation to customer expectations)
• Provide support to IR Plant Manager with personnel including “on call” resourcing and leadership coverage, as required.
• Work with Operations team to develop, recommend and implement goals, standards and objectives that drive improved customer satisfaction and continuous improvement in business results (quality, productivity, cost).
• Design, develop and propose improvements to equipment and systems using knowledge of engineering principles, industry standards and working designs to meet production requirements, performance, quality and safety standards.
• Develop Preventative Maintenance program with key stake holder input, and manage KPI’s toward continuous improvement.
• Identify and manage continuous improvement project resources, requirements, and constraints to ensure improvement projects meet the specified scope, are on schedule, and within the authorized budget to ensure key success factors, priorities, and fiscal expectations are accomplished.
• Facilitate cross-functional project teams focused on key success factors to effectively accomplish improvement projects.
• Communicate project progress regarding formal milestones, issues and benefit realizations to ensure management’s understanding of project status.
• Employ Lean and other technical tools (5S, QFD, TPS, etc) to perform root cause and correlation analysis to identify and develop corrective actions for closing business performance gaps.
• Develop, educate and support training programs (DRC Competency Based Training (CBT), 5S, VSM, Lean, QDF, etc) mentoring all levels within the organization in the growth and understanding of these programs.
• Create a strong culture of continuous improvement by reducing and eliminating non-value added activities in processes.
• Support a culture of Excellence in Quality by being the role model for “QUALITY” and championing the implementation of an effective Quality Control and Quality Management System.
• Promote and support the Manufacturing Principles and Values.
• Constantly strive to improve and support positive communications (written and oral) with all levels and disciplines within Sellars and with all Sellars’ partners.
• Develop basic understanding of the DRC Base Paper papermaking process and participate with Base Paper team in planning and execution of production runs to assure incoming and process quality is met.

Qualifications: An individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily to successfully meet the requirements of this position. The information below is viewed as representative of the body of knowledge and physical attributes needed to be successful in this position.

Key Interactions:

• Works closely with COO, Plant Managers, Operating teams, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain in developing and carrying out an overall long term plan that drives manufacturing excellence.
• Provides support to any personnel involved in projects on a day-to-day basis to understand issues and problems, as well as, provide the support and direction required for effective resolution.
• Interact with the Sellars Management Team to understand the state of the business and its needs and provide information or feedback on the performance of the production operation.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Capability to work with teams and develop improvement plans (standards, goals, objectives) in a way that gains team commitment towards achievement.
• The ability to clearly assess the key aspects of a successful operation and develop and implement systems and procedures to meet those requirements.
• Good communication skills with the capability to confront and deal with issues in a positive, complete manner.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve (identify problem, define root cause, develop alternative solutions and select and implement most effective solution).
• Detail orientated.
• The ability to determine financial payback of projects.
• Effective interpersonal and teamwork skills. Demonstrated capability to function within a cross functional team and/or to lead cross functional teams.
• Recognizes and values skills and knowledge possessed by mechanics and operators.
• Proficient in computer spreadsheet, word processing and internet software.
• Flexibility in work assignments.
• Ability to seek out, listen and value inputs from all levels in the organization.
• Ability to exercise professionalism, courtesy and tact in dealing with all members of the Sellars organization and external resources.

Education and/or Experience Required

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering.
• MBA preferred
• Leadership Experience preferred.
• Demonstration of continual education (through membership in recognized organizations, seminars attended, & certifications).
• Prior experience working in the printing, paper production or paper converting industries is preferred.
• Proficiency in Lean Tools preferred (5S, VSM, Lean, QFD, etc).

How we take care of you!

We frequently seek avenues to enhance our total rewards package as we recognize that our associates are a significant asset to our success and the community! All benefits are available to you from day one!

Medical insurance • Flex Spending Account • Dental • Vision • Voluntary Supplemental insurance • Employee Assistance Program • Short-term Disability • Long-term Disability • 401K (100% company match on the first 4% & total company match of 5%) • Employee Referral