Lead Continuous Improvement Champion

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Haworth is seeking a Lead Continuous Improvement Champion in Holland, MI, to coach lean principles across 9 North American manufacturing sites, guiding the Haworth Manufacturing Operating System and value stream mapping while collaborating with operations, finance, and IT. The role requires a bachelor's in engineering or business with 7 years CI experience (or 5 years with a master’s), strong Lean capabilities, and travel up to 25%. Ideal candidates bring Kata coaching, change management, and manufacturing background. To apply, tailor your resume to show cross-functional leadership and measurable improvements, include Lean certifications, and demonstrate readiness to work onsite in Holland.

Join the Future of Workspace Innovation at Haworth
Are you ready to shape the future of how people work, live, and thrive? At Haworth, we're not just creating furniture – we're revolutionizing the way the world interacts with spaces. As a global pioneer in workspace design since 1948, we've been pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities for over seven decades.

We're looking for visionaries like you to help write the next chapter of our story.

Discover more here!

Job Overview

We are currently looking for a Lead Continuous Improvement Champion to join our team in Holland, MI.
 

As a Lead Continuous Improvement Champion, you will:

Provide coaching, subject matter expertise and process improvement based on lean principles & our Haworth Manufacturing Operating System across 9 North America manufacturing locations, providing strategic direction and technical expertise to optimize customer experiences, member engagement and business results. Develop and implement innovative lean solutions to complex business challenges, leveraging industry best practices and emerging technologies. Provide lean direction, coaching and support for all North America manfuacturing locations. Foster the successful use of the 8 Value Stream Mapping criteria across manufacturing. Create a culture of continuous improvement across operations, following the Haworth Manufacturing Operating System.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement comprehensive process and/or system improvement strategies aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Lead process and/or system improvement professionals, providing guidance, feedback, and mentorship.
• Work within process improvement budgets, allocating resources strategically.
• Establish and maintain process and/or system improvement policies, procedures, and standards to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Collaborate with leaders from other departments, such as operations, finance, and IT, to align process improvement efforts with business goals.
• Foster a culture of innovation, exploring and implementing new technologies, processes, and approaches to enhance process improvement and/or system effectiveness.
• Stay informed about industry trends, share best practices, and emerging technologies in process and/or system improvement to maintain a competitive advantage.
• Ability to use and coach Lean Manufacturing tools and philosophy.
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
• Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
• Performs other duties within scope as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or equivalent
• Education Equivalency: 
  • Associate's degree plus 2 years related experience or,
  • High school diploma plus 4 years related experience. 

Work Experience:

• 7 years of experience in continuous improvement with Bachelor’s Degree
• 5 years of experience in continuous improvement with Master’s Degree
• Military Equivalency: https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military

Additionally:

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Ability to work in Holland, MI without relocation assistance.
• Current and continuing right to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Value Stream Mapping experience
• Change Management experience 
• Lean Certification or Lean Knowledge
• Kata Coaching experience 
• Manufacturing experience

Ideally, you have also demonstrated the following

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, facilitation, problem-solving, and planning skills 
• Ability to work as individual and/or as member of team
• Strong organizational and project management skills

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Design your future with Haworth
Headquartered in Holland Michigan, Haworth is a family-owned global powerhouse at the forefront of innovation and sustainable design in the workspace interiors industry. Here, you'll have access to state-of-the-art resources, collaborate with cross-functional teams of passionate innovators, and experience a blend of global reach with personal growth opportunities. Whether you're developing new manufacturing processes, implementing smart factory solutions, or designing tomorrow's workspace solutions, you'll be empowered to make a lasting impact while growing your career.

We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference. Your hard work, dedication, and talent are the foundation of our success and enable us to build meaningful connections with our customers and each other.

At Haworth, members enjoy benefits from their first day of employment:

• 20 Days Paid Time Off: Plus, the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
• Health Benefits: Priority Health Medical options, Delta Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• 401k Match: Contribute 6% of your annual salary, and Haworth will match 7%.
• Insurance Coverage: Company-provided Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Volunteer Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Zero Waste to Landfill