CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT LEADER

Location: Newport, NC 

Salary: 60K-75K

Schedule: Full-time

Work Schedule: Mon Fri

Veneer Technologies, Inc. is seeking a motivated self-starter to lead our Continuous Improvement initiatives and assist with an internal Safety Program.  This successful individual will focus primarily on developing and implementing LEAN principals in our manufacturing environment.  This person will also be responsible for teaching LEAN methods to our associates and coach them toward implementation.

Lean & Continuous Improvement (60%)

· Partner with Plant Management to develop current and future state value stream maps and define actionable roadmaps to achieve future state goals

· Lead and manage large-scale strategic improvement projects utilizing Lean and Six Sigma tools

· Develop and manage a productivity project portfolio aligned with key business objectives

· Plan, schedule, and lead annual Kaizen events and GAMBA walks; review and adjust plans to meet evolving department needs

· Conduct 7-Waste studies, time and motion studies, and workflow balancing to drive efficiency

· Optimize processes to reduce costs, improve quality, and eliminate waste

· Lead visual management and workplace organization (5S) initiatives

· Deliver Lean training and coach plant personnel at all levels

· Promote and grow WCM/MAFACT principles across operational areas

· Establish benchmarking and best-practice sharing processes

· Provide detailed data analysis to measure performance and identify improvement opportunities

· Drive accountability for measurable business results

· Participate in Lean Sigma events, meetings, and cross-functional initiatives to stay current on industry best practices 

Safety (40%)

· Maintain responsibility for OSHA compliance, including OSHA-300 reporting and accident recordkeeping

· Lead post-accident investigations in partnership with Maintenance to implement corrective safeguards

· Coordinate post-accident drug screening and transportation arrangements

· Maintain EPA compliance, including air and storm water permits

· Oversee Sprinkler, Alarm, and Security system maintenance and testing

· Coordinate monthly safety meetings and Annual Safety Training programs

· Manage Bloodborne Pathogens training and Hepatitis B vaccinations for new Safety Committee members

· Responsible for overseeing and documenting routine monthly safety inspections to ensure compliance, hazard prevention, and operational reliability.

· Oversee and ensure completion of all required equipment and task-specific safety training for authorized employees, including powered industrial trucks, energy control (Lockout/Tagout), respiratory protection, electrical safety, fall protection, confined space and operation of specialized manufacturing equipment.

Key Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree

· 3+ years of experience using Lean Manufacturing techniques.

· Six Sigma Green Belt Certification or above

· Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools and quality standards (Kaizen, 5S, Gamba etc.)

· Proven leadership experience and ability to teach others.

· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

· Strong data analysis and performance measurement capability

· Ability to lead, influence, and instill Lean culture at all organizational levels

· Excellent communication skills with employees, leadership, customers, and visitors

· High level of creativity, initiative, and independent judgment

Who We Are. We are committed to the success of our customers through productivity and to the future of our industry through technology.  

Veneer Technologies Incorporated is a customer-driven, high technology veneer and other wood products manufacturer and supplier with an aspiration to lead the industry not only in the production of the highest quality materials through efficiencies achieved with productivity and superior production but also with an action-not-talk commitment to the overall future of the resource, the industry, the craftsman, and companies who create function and art with wood veneer.

Wood veneer is unmatched in its beauty and is an efficient use of wood resources sustainable with appropriate conservation and regulatory measures. Veneer Technologies actively supports environmental responsibility and sustainability of the resource with actions, not words, including financial support of the Hardwood Forestry Fund (HFF), the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and other efforts in resource conservation.

Veneer Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the established policy of Veneer Technologies, Inc. to extend equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of their race, color, age (40 and over), sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender/gender-identity, disability, genetic profile, religion, national origin, ethnic background, military service, citizenship, or any other statutorily protected activity.