Operations Research Analyst jobs in Frankfort, KY

General Summary:

Under general direction, the Kaizen / Operations Specialist is responsible for guiding and supporting employee-driven continuous improvement processes in conjunction with plant leadership. This role promotes a kaizen mindset and culture by organizing and coordinating lean management systems, operational improvements and other key initiatives focused on safety, quality and cost management. This position also ensures that Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and related/secondary goals and objectives are clearly defined, communicated and attained; confirms and validates alignment of plant KPIs to organizational targets.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Leads Kaizen activities and guides plant associates in the areas of safety, quality, and cost management:
• Safety: Partners with Safety Manager and safety committee(s) to conduct safety checks and internal assessments. Identifies daily, regular and on-going operational safety concerns and implements action items to correct address problem areas. Improves safety for all team members through identification of kaizen opportunities.
• Quality: Supports operational kaizen activities with sustainable improvement plans typically related to just in time production, customer delivery, process time analysis, work process design, tooling and materials as well as elimination of Muda/waste.
• Cost Management: Working with plant manager, establishes specific cost savings opportunities and targets; measures, monitors and reports cost savings/cost containment outcomes and results.
• Develops Kaizen methodologies to be used in the evaluation, analysis and reporting of various location specific projects allowing for improved goal setting, tracking, and consideration of return on investment. Follows-up on key project implementation schedules as well as overall results.
• Develops and maintains a visual KPI system to track kaizen activities and projects. Promotes importance of KPI’s to ensure strong ownership, attainment of results and a sense of urgency for critical items. Periodically presents plan, progress towards goals, actual results and other outcomes to leadership.
• Assists with various aspects of product launch and/or new product development including schedules, scope, budget and related planning tools.
• Develops and implements Kaizen procedures/processes with team members to enrich Kaizen mindset and engrain Kaizen mindset in daily work.
• Creates Kaizen training program and on-the-job development in the areas of continuous improvement; conducts training for team members and regularly updates material/learning points based on needs.
• Collects and reviews Kaizen ideas submitted by associates and assists in implementation of approved changes/activities, as needed.
• Along with plant manager, supports processes that allow for improved decision making through efficient data gathering, visualization, cross-functional discussion/analysis (Obeya activities). Maintains locations’ Obeya room including purpose, design and efficient use of space.
• Supports environmental sustainability initiatives such as: reduction of carbon emissions, reduction of natural gas, preservation and protection of water resources, promotion of recycling while reducing landfill waste and attention to addressing other negative environmental issues. May assist with the tracking, monitoring and reporting of plant locations’ efforts.
• Assists in accident investigations to identify the root cause in a timely manner and track corrective action for completion of countermeasures.
• Collaborates and shares information with other North American plants (Yokoten) on Kaizen best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

**Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required for this job. Such may change at any time.

Safety Responsibilities

• Holds and enforces safety as the number one priority for self and others.
• Promotes safety processes and procedures throughout the plant by building and reinforcing a culture of safety. Encourages and supports team members’ involvement in the health and safety program.
• Holds team members accountable for their health and safety responsibilities.
• Actively discourages shortcuts and enforces safety policies with fairness and consistency.
• Provides continuous on-the-job instruction in safe work procedures and instructs team members on the usage and care of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and tools (Toyota Production System – TPS) and related continuous improvement concepts required to facilitate/lead discussions and proceed with various kaizen activities.
• High level of problem-solving skills in order to assess issues, analyze root cause and determine countermeasures/action items required to resolve issue(s). Deep knowledge of how to apply Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA), 5 Why Analysis and other methods.
• Strong team and relationship building skills including conflict management and the ability to work with multiple and sometimes conflicting viewpoints towards mutual respect and understanding. Ability to delegate and deploy resources, tasks and/or assignments to others cross-functionally.
• Effective communication skills including active listening, presentation skills; demonstrates a high level of written and verbal skills including the ability to explain materials to others in an understandable and logical manner and facilitate productive meetings/discussions. Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents and information readily.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to consistently demonstrate strong commitment to internal and external stakeholders needs, feedback, interests and desires; seeks solutions with a positive approach to prioritizing the work and issues at hand.
• The ideal candidate must have strong accountability for the work, personal and professional credibility, and display honesty and integrity in the job.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Level of Education & Experience:

• Associates Degree in Engineering or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three or more years of manufacturing experience, including demonstrated ability in project management. Prior automotive industry experience in a just in time (JIT) plant environment is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Certification in Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt is strongly preferred.

Environment:

Majority of duties are performed in a manufacturing environment where loud noises and hot or cold temperatures are possible.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing and walking.
• Possible occasional lifting and/or moving objects up to 10 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Travel:

Negligible/as needed

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person