Position Title: Continuous Improvement Expert Consultant
Job Type: Contract to Hire (6-month contract with potential for permanent hire)
Location: Oakland, CA (Hybrid – 2-3 days onsite per week; Tuesdays mandatory)
Work Authorization: US Citizen or Green Card Holder
Job Overview:
We are seeking a seasoned Continuous Improvement Expert Consultant to join a dynamic team driving a lean transformation across a major organization. This role offers the opportunity to operate at a strategic level, coaching teams and implementing continuous improvement frameworks to foster efficiency and innovation across the enterprise.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the Lean/Process Organization to implement lean methodologies, including visual management, operating reviews, problem-solving, standard work, and waste elimination.
- Act as a coach and guide for teams implementing lean principles across multiple portfolios.
- Adapt lean methodologies flexibly to address unique team and business challenges, fostering accessibility and engagement.
- Work closely with senior leadership to ensure alignment and progress in the lean transformation process.
- Develop and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and build KPI trees to monitor performance and guide strategy.
- Build balanced scorecards and create plans to achieve organizational metrics and goals.
- Participate in operating reviews at the SVP level, providing insights and supporting strategic discussions.
- Facilitate workshops and training sessions to drive organizational understanding and adoption of continuous improvement practices.
Top Technical Skills:
1. Lean Six Sigma Expertise (3-4 years minimum):
- Experience implementing lean methodologies at a strategic, organizational level.
- Ability to move beyond project-level lean implementations to coach and guide continuous improvement across an entire organization.
- Lean Six Sigma certification is preferred but not required.
2. Visual Management and Operating Reviews:
- Proven experience conducting visual management practices and participating in high-level operating reviews.
- Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and manage priorities at an executive level.
3. KPI and Metrics Management:
- Expertise in tracking and developing KPIs, including building KPI trees and balanced scorecards.
- Experience with lean planning and creating actionable plans to meet organizational metrics.
Personality and Cultural Fit:
- High emotional intelligence (EQ) with the ability to understand and adapt to varying team and business needs.
- Multi-project orientation with excellent organizational and attention-to-detail skills.
- Collaborative, flexible, and pragmatic approach to applying lean methodologies in complex environments.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on building relationships and trust.