Performance Optimization Manager
Description
The Performance Optimization Manager (the “Manager”) is a key position reporting to and supporting the Vice President of Manufacturing in the development and execution of strategies, processes, and initiatives aimed at optimizing business activities and results at the manufacturing locations. This role will collaborate with executive management and plant management to continually improve outcomes in all the manufacturing group’s critical disciplines, including safety, productivity, asset maintenance and reliability, product quality and value, material recovery, alignment with Sales, and supply chain effectiveness.
The Manager will have indirect responsibility for the actions and activities of one Performance Optimization Specialist located at each production facility. The Manager will become an expert and example of “The Hood Way” and guide others at all levels of the organization to ensure that our manufacturing facilities operate in accordance with the Hood Management Philosophy of People-Process-Performance.
CORE LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS:
Our ideal candidate displays:
- Exceptional communication skills.
- Leadership expertise.
- Data-guided decision-making.
- The ability to create and share a vision and strategy.
- Technical problem-solving skills.
- Entrepreneurial, self-managing passion for excellence.
- An instinct to challenge the status quo and drive ever-higher performance standards.
- Excellence in developing and mentoring colleagues.
- A strong desire to learn and continually improve personally and professionally.
- An innate team orientation.
KEY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBLITIES:
The Manager’s responsibilities fall broadly into two distinct but related disciplines: Process Optimization, and Product Optimization. Process Optimization addresses how our organization continually identifies, prioritizes, evaluates, and resolves execution shortcomings in all our critical manufacturing activities. Product Optimization ensures that our physical and technological assets are properly configured and performing in alignment with our product strategy.
Specific responsibilities pertaining to Process Optimization include:
- Working directly with the VP of Manufacturing to develop, refine, and implement comprehensive vision and specific strategies for process improvement in all our operational units.
- Employing the “DMAIC” approach to problem-solving: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control.
- Using principals of science, engineering, and mathematics to help identify solutions to technical problems in manufacturing process control.
- Ensuring that process improvement strategies and initiatives align with overall economic and profitability goals.
- Articulating strategic and tactical workplans and objectives for mill-level Performance Optimization Specialists, in collaboration with Mill Managers and Division Directors.
- Training, coaching, and participating in continuous development of Performance Optimization Specialists.
- Coaching mill personnel at all levels on Process Optimization concepts and application with a commitment to the principles of “Go See, Ask Why, Show Respect”.
- Participating in development and execution of capital deployment plans, with a focus on improving results in Key Success Factors (safety, productivity, quality, value, recovery, cost, employee engagement and retention, asset maintenance and reliability, et cetera).
Specific responsibilities pertaining to Product Optimization include:
- Developing and maintaining strong command of the manufacturing division’s technological assets (product optimizer systems, human-machine interfaces, automation interfaces, et cetera), and ensuring that product optimizer configurations are consistent with company product strategy and goals.
- Leading or assisting with investigation and resolution of specific Product Optimization problems, shortfalls, and/or failures.
- Training and coaching mill personnel and Performance Optimization Specialists on proper application of Product Optimization concepts and tactics (predictability and execution testing, product quality and value management, systems troubleshooting, interpretation of optimization-related information, et cetera).
- Serving as primary liaison between the manufacturing group and Sales leadership in matters pertaining to product changes, additions, characteristics, and expected outcomes.
- Participating in investigating and implementing new products, services, and systems technologies to meet the organization's current and future objectives.
Additional general responsibilities include:
- Leading and modeling safety excellence at all times, ensuring that all activities undertaken are designed and executed to advance our safety objectives and requirements.
- Coordinating between various company departments (Procurement, Operations, Sales, People Operations, Accounting, et cetera) to foster company-wide collaborative support of all optimization efforts.
- Periodically and regularly evaluating, summarizing, and presenting Performance Optimization activities and results to Executive leadership and key stakeholders.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s level education in business, engineering, or a related area, or equivalent job experience.
- Five years of leadership experience in a manufacturing position, preferably in the wood products industry, with at least two years involving manufacturing operations.
- Proficiency in project tools (Microsoft Project Manager, Excel, Smartsheet).
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and quality management.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Hood Industries offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including medical, employee assistance program, dental, vision, cancer, flexible spending account, life, 401k, and LTD, available first of the month following completion of one month of continuous full-time employment.
Hood Industries requires that applicants consent to a background check and a drug screen to continue in the selection process. All employment offers are contingent on meeting our background check standards and successful passing of the required drug test. If hired, you will be required to provide documentation indicating your legal right to work in the U.S.
An Equal Opportunity Employer