Continuous Improvement Manager at AkzoNobel

Job Purpose

The Continuous Improvement Manager (CIM) role is responsible for championing, developing and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement (CI) and knowledge about related methodologies/ activities (Lean, Six Sigma, ALPS) across all areas of the site with a strong focus on manufacturing and operations. The end-purpose is to improve the real result key performance indicators (Safety, OTIF, cost, material efficiency, quality, and inventories) of the site. The CIM is actively involved in setting up and establishing a support structure to develop CI capabilities and mindset with guidance from central ISC - thus acting as an agent for culture change. This role personifies the Lean Six Sigma (L6S) capabilities and way of solving problems, making decisions and setting standards. This is a position that reports into the Site Manager and is part of the local MT. As such the role aligns with the specific local requirements and priorities and acts effectively and autonomously to support the operational performance in terms of quality, cost, delivery, HSE and people development.

Help Site Manager to:

• Build organizational capabilities

• Improve site performance

• Drive and manage the improvement portfolio

• Lead and support the ALPS deployment on site

Key Accountabilities

1. Build organizational capabilities - Champion, develop and sustain a culture of continuous improvement (CI) and knowledge about related methodologies/ activities (Lean, Six Sigma, ALPS) across all areas of the site with a strong focus on manufacturing and operations - Develop and expand local capabilities in applying continuous improvement tools and methods (Lean, Six Sigma) and promote a structured problem-solving approach. Inject passion for this activity by providing a vision and direction for the future development and performance of the site. - Deploy and sustain the ALPS capability and improvement program including a coaching support structure to drive CI initiatives and ensure sustainability of improvements - Champions deployment of change management processes and tools to realize the business strategic objectives - Coach Advanced and Lead Practitioners and local staff/MT on site and give reinforcement training on selected topics.

2. Improve Site Performance - Support and challenge the workforce and local MT in direction setting, prioritization (timing, resources, and sequence of actions) and implementation of improvement activities to best achieve the targets for the key performance indicators of the yearly site improvement plan. This includes the organizational and strategic deployment throughout the site - Review the ALPS operating framework (goals & targets, KPIs, operating processes, people) to ensure compliance with corporate and BA requirements and highlight to the site management team areas of concern to agree corrective actions - Contribute to improving the real result key performance indicators (Safety, OTIF, cost, material efficiency, quality, and inventories) of the site.

3. Drive and manage the Improvement Portfolio - Identify, validate, initiate and drive new improvement opportunities and promote the passion for excellence and delivering on commitments values - Manage the improvement project funnel including scoping, project assignment, resource planning, tracking of progress and benefits and controlling sustainability of outcomes - Run own improvement projects delivering value to the organization.

4. Lead and support the ALPS deployment on site – Lead / support the local ALPS implementation and build-up of required capabilities and ensure ALPS full and successful implementation and practical application on a daily basis - Network within the AkzoNobel CI community and share insights, problems and opportunities to promote improved performance and problem-solving across the company as well as encourage others to do the same.

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Experience

• Bachelor degree in technical, business or economics fields

• Relevant work experience i.e. operations, production, maintenance, logistics, (process) engineering, continuous improvement, etc

• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills, able to identify and structure issues, run accurate analyses and synthesize recommendations. Experience in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, TPM. Willing to train as an AkzoNobel continuous improvement expert as a minimum.

• Prior people/team management experience. Experience with practical implementation of change programs plus solid project and stakeholder management experience