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Lean and Safety Specialist

Kasco Marine, Inc is seeking a full-time Lean and Safety Specialist for our home office in Prescott, WI.

Kasco Marine is a leading international supplier and innovator in the manufacture of aerators, diffused aeration, floating decorative fountains, de-icing products, circulators, and tank mixers. Kasco has a well-established reputation for quality products offered to the residential, aquaculture, commercial, industrial, municipal, public area, resort, and institutional industries. Kasco has been in business for over 50 years and is a small but aggressive and growing company located in Prescott, WI. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and support to our customers and creating an atmosphere of continuous improvement where everyone’s voice is heard.<

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Lean and Safety Specialist will champion continuous improvement and safety across all operations and departments. Supports multiple departments to relieve bottlenecks, inefficiencies, errors, and safety risks by helping team members identify waste, risk, and opportunities for improvement. Educates employees on lean principles and problem-solving techniques; supports kaizen events; leads Safety program and manages 6S program. Serves as in-house resource to support and drive continuous improvement efforts across the organization. The Lean Specialist will empower individuals across the organization to drive and sustain improvements in their respective work areas while safeguarding and developing our company culture and values.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Lead continuous improvement efforts in operations and the office. Become a subject matter expert in Lean manufacturing with the ability to recognize all forms of waste in the production cycle and office activities (including errors/quality problems) to reduce or eliminate waste and frustration.
  • Own the 6S program for workplace organization and safety. Maintain and execute audit schedules with participation from team members in each area.
  • Drive Safety Program Initiatives. Using basic tools for Safety and Ergonomics (training assistance available), drive compliance with regulatory requirements (such as OSHA) as well as industry best practices. Conduct ergonomic assessments across the organization. Support the continuous improvements driven by the broader team to reduce or eliminate safety and ergonomic risks.
  • Mentor team members while working alongside them, teaching lean methods and concepts, asking questions to help them identify waste and EMPOWERING them to make improvements each day. Your primary goal is to help others grow, achieve, and receive recognition.
  • Project management: Use your knowledge of Lean skills, tools, and techniques to support project owners in initiating, planning, and executing all phases of improvement projects. This should be a coaching activity, allowing them to maintain direct ownership of their project.
  • Work with Production Supervisor to establish work cell productivity targets and metrics that are meaningful, attainable, clear, and relatable to employees. This should be done by conducting time studies and reviewing work content in real life scenarios. Create baselines, support implementation of improvements, and re-set baselines. Maintain work cell productivity targets and hour by hour files with input from the area supervisor to ensure expected output values are current.
  • Identify opportunities and kick-start initiatives to reduce Kasco’s environmental impact. We want our business practices to be aligned with our values, which includes good stewardship of natural resources.
  • Develop and maintain a new format for digital work instructions for all production cells. They must be a user friendly, consistent template that can be easily implemented and maintained across various departments.
  • Be respectful of Kasco’s culture and core values by modeling it though one’s own behavior and attitude.

ENSURES THAT

  • Proper lean fundamentals are being followed by team members working in production and warehouse. This may include assisting with or conducting training for team members on lean fundamentals and tools.
  • Employees are properly trained and cross trained when new tools or procedures for safety or lean are introduced.
  • Safety is a top priority. Lead by example, following all safety requirements while working in a safe and conscientious manner.
  • Safety procedures, audits, and inspections are current and scheduled safety training is in place.
  • Oversee completion of initial safety training for all new employees. Partner with human resources to develop topics for weekly/monthly safety chats and ensure completion of ongoing required safety training for all employees.
  • Perform other duties and projects as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Basic training in lead and safety tools
  • 3-5 years practicing lead and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Lean Certification
  • Knowledge of safety tools and practices; OSHA certification a plus
  • Project management or team leadership experience
  • Post-Secondary education

SKILLS

  • Interpersonal communication and collaboration
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Engages and empowers others
  • Ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
  • Self-directed with the ability to work without close supervision

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Required to stand for extended periods of time to include the duration of the workday
  • Frequent lifting up to 30 lbs and occasional lifting up to 50 lbs both while using safe lifting techniques

BENEFITS
Eligible employees are offered a competitive benefits package including:

  • Medical / dental / life / STD / LTD insurances
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • 401 (k)
  • Profit sharing
  • Continuing education assistance

Send Resume and Cover letter to hr@kascomarine.com. Kasco Marine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.