Apex International is a dynamic, high-quality manufacturer of personal and home care products with an extensive range of capabilities in OTC, cosmetic, and natural products. Apex is a leader in contract manufacturing because of its: • Measurable advantage in quality • Commitment to Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement • Financial Strength as a privately held, single-owner company • Employees that are great at customer focus and problem-solving

1.  Act as a change agent to bring about improvement in the processes through the formation and management of plant Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs).

• Identify and invite key participants who will work together to identify opportunities to eliminate waste and focus on improving processes.


• Plan, prepare and set up the necessary materials (time observations, baseline data, process map, metrics, etc.) to ensure a successful RIE and linkage to the Apex corporate goals.


• Facilitate the meetings so that the team has a clear understanding of the problem and the process to identify improvements.  


• Provide necessary training specific to Lean Manufacturing tools and methodology.  


• Follow up on RIE action plans to ensure that the improvements are being executed.


• Assist all teams as needed to ensure improvements are made and sustained.


• Ensure clear metrics are established and measured for each event, align metrics with VSM metrics


• Proactively communicate project work status to internal teams based on project requirements.  Ensure reports are clear, accurate and timely.  

2.  Coach employees on use of lean tools.

• Become an expert on key lean tools, including mechanics and when to apply.


• conduct regular GEMBA walks and coach for daily improvement and problem solving. 


• Ensure A3/A4 thinking is utilized and understood by all levels of the organization.


• Serve as a proactive presence when group's stall or when there is an unwillingness to challenge the status quo through match pace lead approach. 


• Support building and implementation of visual management systems and create strong handoffs to area owners for ongoing success. 

3.  Effectively communicate lean progress to ensure understanding and implementation.

• develop communication plan to inform organization of lean progress made and upcoming lean activities.


• execute communication plan as part of standard work.  

4.  Other work as assigned.  

Experience

• This position requires experience leading Rapid Improvement Events/Kaizen Events in a manner consistent with the Toyota Production System, Danaher Business System, or Simpler Business System. Experience with organizational Lean transformation and leading Lean change is a must.

Education

• Bachelors or better

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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