Continuous Improvement Supervisor - PECNA

Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Continuous Improvement Supervisor to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Training Within Industry (TWI) principles, with expertise in job instruction, job safety, and job methods. This role will play a key role in enhancing the skills and knowledge of our operational workforce, contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of our operations. Responsibilities:

Summary: We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas.

Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Continuous Improvement Supervisor to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Training Within Industry (TWI) principles, with expertise in job instruction, job safety, and job methods. This role will play a key role in enhancing the skills and knowledge of our operational workforce, contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of our operations. 

Essential Duties:

• Analyze current processes to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions to increase efficiency, productivity, and quality. 
• Lead and support Lean projects, training team members on principles and methodologies as needed. 
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, measure performance, and support decision-making processes for ongoing improvements. 
• Work with teams across the organization to align goals, share best practices, and ensure consistency in improvement strategies. 
• Establish and maintain relationships with external training providers and educational institutions for additional resources and expertise. 
• Design and develop engaging training materials, including instructor-led sessions, and job aids, to meet the learning objectives. 
• Manage and oversee improvement projects, setting timelines, managing budgets, and ensuring that deliverables are met within scope and on time. 
• Conduct training sessions on continuous improvement tools and methodologies, empowering employees at all levels to contribute to improvement efforts. 
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress, identify issues, and adjust initiatives as needed. 
• Apply problem solving techniques to resolve operational issues and prevent recurrence. 
• Drive organizational change by promoting a culture of continuous improvement and encouraging employee engagement in improvement initiatives. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees’, wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Qualifications: Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Education

• Required: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g. Business, Training and Development) or equivalent work experience. 

Essential Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in leading teams in a high-performance setting or equivalent, translatable experience 
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. 
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex operation issues. 
• Ability to develop Standardized Work. 
• Ability to develop a Job Break Down sheets from Standardized Work Sheet and the ability to teach and train others in this method. 
• Familiarity with traditional and modern training methods (mentoring, coaching, on-the-job or in classroom training, e-learning, workshops, simulations, etc.). 
• Excellent communication and leadership skills. 
• Ability to plan, multi-task and manage time effectively. 
• Works effectively in cross-functional teams and with other work groups while sharing information that others need to do their job. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, encompassing Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
• Demonstrates excellent evaluative assessment and training skills, ensuring the effectiveness of training initiatives.
• Exhibits exceptional verbal and written communication skills, fostering clear and concise information dissemination.
• Brings valuable experience in Job Instruction, showcasing the ability to effectively convey standardized training methods.
• Acquired expertise in Training Within Industry (TWI), contributing to a comprehensive understanding of job instruction, job safety, and job methods.
• Exhibits a deep understanding of training methodologies, showcasing demonstrated expertise.
• Develop and train Kaizen continuous improvement events. 
• Hoshin planning and implementation from the ground up, demonstrating the ability to develop and execute strategic plans with a bottom-up approach.

Preferred Certification(s):

• Training Within Industry (TWI) certification for Train the Trainer specializing in Job Safety, Job Instruction, Job Relations and/or Job Methods, showcasing proficiency in safety protocols and efficient work methods. 

Physical Demands

Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 40%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 20%
• Lift: 10%

Required Lifting and Carrying:Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)

For this position the required frequency is:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required

About Us: At the heart of this visionary project, Panasonic is committed to manufacturing cutting-edge cylindrical lithium-ion cells that will power the future of electric mobility. These cells will be meticulously crafted to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry, supporting various electric vehicle manufacturers in their quest for eco-friendly transportation solutions.

This role presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation, working within a forward-thinking organization that is committed to environmental responsibility and the advancement of green technology. Be a part of our mission to power the future and make a difference in the world of electric mobility with Panasonic!

Supplemental Information: Pre-employment drug testing is required. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Panasonic is an Equal Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.