Kaizen/ Operations Analyst

Htna Group - Frankfort, KY

Full-time - Mid Level

Frankfort, KY

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Kaizen/Operations Analyst at HTNA is a pivotal role designed for a supervisor who will work under general direction to guide and support employee-driven continuous improvement processes in collaboration with plant leadership. This position is essential in promoting a kaizen mindset and culture within the organization by organizing and coordinating lean management systems, operational improvements, and other key initiatives that focus on safety, quality, and cost management. The analyst will ensure that Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and related goals are clearly defined, communicated, and achieved, while also confirming alignment of plant KPIs with organizational targets. In this role, the analyst will lead Kaizen activities and guide plant associates in various areas, including safety, quality, and cost management. This involves partnering with the Safety Manager to conduct safety checks, identifying operational safety concerns, and implementing corrective actions. The analyst will support operational kaizen activities with sustainable improvement plans related to just-in-time production, customer delivery, and waste elimination. Additionally, the analyst will work closely with the plant manager to establish cost savings opportunities, measure outcomes, and develop methodologies for evaluating and reporting on various projects. The position also entails developing and maintaining a visual KPI system to track kaizen activities, promoting the importance of KPIs, and presenting progress to leadership. The analyst will assist in product launches and new product development, create training programs for continuous improvement, and support environmental sustainability initiatives. The role requires collaboration with other North American plants to share best practices and may involve assisting in accident investigations to identify root causes and track corrective actions. Overall, this position is crucial for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the plant.

Responsibilities

• Lead Kaizen activities and guide plant associates in safety, quality, and cost management.
• Partner with Safety Manager to conduct safety checks and internal assessments.
• Identify operational safety concerns and implement corrective actions.
• Support operational kaizen activities with sustainable improvement plans related to just-in-time production and waste elimination.
• Establish cost savings opportunities and targets in collaboration with the plant manager.
• Measure, monitor, and report cost savings outcomes and results.
• Develop Kaizen methodologies for evaluating and reporting on projects.
• Maintain a visual KPI system to track kaizen activities and projects.
• Present plans, progress, and results to leadership periodically.
• Assist with product launch and new product development planning.
• Create and implement Kaizen training programs for team members.
• Collect and review Kaizen ideas submitted by associates and assist in implementation.
• Support processes for improved decision-making through efficient data gathering and analysis.
• Maintain the Obeya room for effective use of space and purpose.
• Support environmental sustainability initiatives and track plant efforts.
• Assist in accident investigations to identify root causes and track corrective actions.

Requirements

• Associates Degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three or more years of manufacturing experience, including project management.
• Certification in Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt is strongly preferred.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and tools (Toyota Production System - TPS).
• High level of problem-solving skills to assess issues and determine countermeasures.
• Deep knowledge of Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and 5 Why Analysis methods.
• Strong team and relationship building skills, including conflict management.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to facilitate discussions.
• Strong customer service skills and commitment to stakeholder needs.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior automotive industry experience in a just-in-time (JIT) plant environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

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