Consultant - Lean & Continuous Improvement (Ann Arbor, MI)

Projected Start Date: March 1st, 2016

 

The Lean & Continuous Improvement Consultant will work with diverse clients ranging from small and medium size enterprises to large Fortune 100 enterprises to help them identify continuous improvement programs, perform root cause analysis, review and develop KPIs, train staff in lean and continuous improvement(CI) thinking, and assist organizations in permanently adopting lean and continuous improvement.  Engagements are usually longer in duration and allows the consultant to oversee the implementation of recommendations. Working in a team environment, the individual in this role will implement continuous improvement initiatives based on a continuous improvement framework. The primary responsibilities of this role include implementing continuous improvement initiatives, building a culture of continuous improvement, advancing internal capabilities of lean coaches, as well as coaching and training leaders on the new continuous improvement framework. 

Job Responsibilities:

 

In general, the Lean & Continuous Improvement Consultant will perform the following job responsibilities in addition to others as required for each project:

 

• Identification of CI projects and initiatives based on the targets of the local organization.

• Define annual CI plans, including all identified CI projects and initiatives and corresponding training needs.

• Carry out advanced data collection and analysis for process mapping, develop budgets, and cost analysis to determine project feasibility.

• Conduct root cause analysis to determine metrics, troubleshoot business, manufacturing, and process issues, material flow, project plans, production capacity, facility design, and create process documentation.

• Develop, improve, and assure data quality of relevant business KPIs and CTQs.

• Develop and conduct compliance audits, program evaluations, and reviews to drive permanent results.

• Act as a change agent by challenging all levels of the organization and anchoring the CI culture in the organization.

• Seek, share, and institutionalize best practices from both inside and outside the company.

• Develop the local organization by training them in Lean.

• Proactively support Group CI initiatives (e.g. Best Practice Workshops, Cross Organization Trainings, and Network Meetings).

General Consultant Qualifications:

 

Qualified candidates for Lean & Continuous Improvement Consultant positions will have the following qualifications:

 

• Demonstrated success in analysis driven problem solving.

• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills to provide clear information for internal business partners.

• Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, time-sensitive environment.

• Ability to effectively collaborate with cross functional teams and influence without authority or title

• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive materials and information.

• Ability to conduct large group meetings and presentations for internal and external clients at all levels, including executive and board level management.

• Ability to coordinate and execute multiple complex projects at the same time.

• Ability to work in a team environment, hand-in-hand with client, and deliver solid results in a demanding work environment.

Subject Matter Expert Qualifications:

 

In addition to the general qualifications required for a Lean & Continuous Improvement Consultant position, it is desirable, although not essential, that the Lean & Continuous Improvement Consultant have one or more of the following Subject Matter Expertise qualifications:

 

• Bachelor’s degree and ten years of related experienced required.

• Master’s degree preferred.

• A comprehensive knowledge of Lean Enterprise principles and methods.

• Six Sigma Training preferred.