Director of Lean and Continuous Improvement

Do you want to be part of a business that genuinely values entrepreneurialism, innovation and individual accountability? We focus on our customers and are proud of the difference our technology makes. We partner with some of the biggest manufacturing companies in the world and our technical innovations are used to enhance well-known brands across multiple industries.

Particle Measuring Systems (PMS) sets the standard for cleanroom contamination monitoring. With more than 60 patents, we create the technology that enables our customers to make fact-based decisions, improve process yields and comply with ever-changing regulatory requirements.

The Role

The Director of Lean and Continuous Improvement will work with the Senior Management Team to develop, set the pace, and implement business transformations and continuous improvement strategies with sensitivity towards the organizational structure, commercial approach, culture, people and processes. Outline direction and deployment of the SBS (Spectris Business Systems) / Lean framework to ensure consistent and rigorous application across the business in line with best practice. Responsible for the successful management and implementation of business improvement projects/initiatives driving measurable benefits in line with the strategic plan. Ensuring a successful cultural implementation of SBS / Lean across the business by developing an enthusiastic, motivated, and flexible team and building working relationships ensuring that Health, Safety and Environmental requirements are adhered to.

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• Develop a robust continuous improvement strategy in partnership with the Management Team and key business stakeholders including across Spectris.
• Drive the process of standardization, including the rollout of Lean Standard work.
• Ensure tiered accountability and visual management in working in business function.
• Understand the SBS 8 core tools / methods and be an excellent trainer and change management expert, bringing people on a journey of improvement.
• Provide project management, analytical and research skills and expertise.
• Provide expertise, professional advice and guidance to the business in business improvement, drawing from proven industry practice and methodologies.
• Report on progress of projects, understanding the risks, dependencies, budgets, resourcing, issues, critical milestones and forthcoming pipeline, and actions necessary to ensure success.
• Undertake business process analysis and statistical analysis for improvement projects and to support wider change.
• Lead, define and develop continuous improvement activities designed to improve performance, such as the planning and running of lean and Kaizen events.
• Facilitate a strong command of continuous improvement language.
• Attend various meetings and action/communicate instructions.
• Produce written reports and make presentations.
• Perform root cause analysis and resolve problems.
• Conduct risk assessments of processes and tasks in the department.
• Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors.

People Management

• Set department objectives/Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and review and assess ongoing performance of direct reports.
• Coach and facilitate teams and individuals to identify and implement improvement opportunities.
• Develop and build a culture of engagement at all levels of the business to provide a highly energized team which is flexible to meet the changing needs of the business.
• Monitor the completion of tasks and ensure good performance and record on appropriate systems.
• Develop, implement, communicate, and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for each area of responsibility.
• Ensure KPIs are met by working to the overall plan, including management of, and reporting.

Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.
• Work as part of the management team to share ideas and improve operation, recommending, supporting and implementing continuous improvement activities and process and procedure improvements.
• Work collaboratively, negotiate and engage with key stakeholders to facilitate delivery and compliance with the Lean strategy.
• Communicate with stakeholders the impact of market change and potential effects on Lean Manufacturing.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering (or similar) discipline is required. Masters preferred.
• Master Black Belt in Six Sigma or equivalent qualification preferred.
• Background in manufacturing and/or engineering environments required.
• Excellent leadership and management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Order to Cash Value-Stream Mapping (VSM) experience preferred.
• Qualified Trainer is advantageous.
• Ability to manage a variety of cross-functional team members.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational and follow-up skills.
• Competent in problem solving, team building, planning and decision making.
• Commercially and financially aware.

The Nuts and Bolts

Location – This is an onsite position with Covid precautions being taken. The location of this position is in Boulder, CO.

Travel - This position requires travel roughly 25% of the time.

2024 Benefits At-a-Glance

Our benefit package is provided through our parent company, Spectris.

• Medical
• Health Advocate – This confidential service can help you; your spouse, dependent children, parents, and parents-in-law resolve health care and insurance-related issues, manage chronic conditions and improve your health and well-being.
• Dental – Delta Dental PPO; DeltaCare USA
• Vision – VSP Vision Plan
• 401(k)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Onsite Wellness Clinic – Onsite physician for basic health and wellness consultations.

Pay Range

$140,000 - $170,000 depending upon experience.

How we determine what we pay (compensation philosophy)

Particle Measuring Systems determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, for the Boulder, Colorado area. We will evaluate external equity, which is the relative marketplace job worth of jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.

For new hires, we try to make competitive offers between the minimum and around the midpoint of the range. This allows the new employee room for future merit increases during review cycles. There may be times when we will offer above the midpoint. The decision to do so will be based on the applicant’s level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and the compensation rates of the employees within the company doing the same position.

Particle Measuring Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.