Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist

Gibson Brands, Inc. (“Gibson” or the “company”), the world’s most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 100 years. Orville Gibson founded the company in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships and progressive product evolution that is unrivalled among musical instrument companies. Our portfolio of brands includes Gibson as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, Kramer, and others; we also own Gibson Pro Audio with brands such as KRK and Cerwin-Vega. Many Gibson instruments are highly collectible since Gibson was at the forefront of innovation for many genres of music including big band, rock-n-roll, and blues. Gibson operates via a central headquarters based in Nashville, TN, supporting five manufacturing facilities as well as four regionally-based support centres that enable the sales, marketing, and distribution activities in each of four different worldwide regions.

OVERALL JOB PURPOSE *

The overall job purpose of the Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist is to assist Facilities Engineering Manager and CI team with project management and deployment of new operations systems and implementation of lean manufacturing practices. This position will also be responsible for managing BOM creation and review processes to maintain accuracy within ERP while identifying and applying standard costs to labor routes for products within company’s ERP system. They will also be significantly involved with maintenance operations for both Custom and USA facilities. 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES*

• Define labor routes with buckets most applicable to and differentiating between Gibson USA’s product lines. Apply routes to necessary pay points within BOMs for all new SKUs.
• Conduct and document time studies for processes throughout Gibson USA operations.
• Assist Product Development team and plant leadership in determining margins for current and potential new models.  
• Maintain BOM accuracy within ERP system through a BOM review process and management of rolling specification changes. 
• Collaborate with procurement, inventory control, finance, and production teams to ensure parts and subassemblies are reported through ERP correctly.
• Work with other divisions within the Gibson brand to establish processes that ensure seamless transfer of intercompany orders. 
• Develop and Manage various processes within MES system, including but not limited to, spec sheet creation, user access, and sustainable practices. 
• Develop tools such as value steam maps, work flows, and process maps to assist with improvement projects throughout the facility.
• Act as an SME for modern manufacturing principles such as lean, Six Sigma, and 5S. 
• Manage electronic work order system, including user access, equipment identification, and PM and work order scheduling. 
• Develop standard work for processes within scope of job responsibilities. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION *

Required Education/Experience 

• 7+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• AS/BS degree (or equivalent) or College/Technical Certificate

Technical Skills/Knowledge *

• Knowledge and experience with ERP systems
• Solid comprehension of manufacturing finance operations
• Knowledge and experience with MES systems
• Knowledge and experience with work order systems
• Formal training in modern manufacturing principles such as lean, Six Sigma, and 5S
• Experience in project management 
• Ability to read product specifications, such as tolerances and critical specifications
• Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Personal Qualities *

• Results oriented and driven, with a track record for delivering to plan
• Self-managed, willing and able to make decisions in the company’s best interest
• Detail-oriented, innovative, and customer-focused
• Flexibility to adapt quickly to changing circumstances
• Able to proactively question and challenge to prioritize and identify solutions in a timely manner
• Active Learning; Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
• Active Listening; Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate
• Ability to work independently to solve design issues.

Travel*

• Periodic travel to and between the company’s manufacturing locations may be required (5-10%).

Nota Bene: 
 
 The company’s Job Descriptions are not intended to be a complete detailed account of all expected/anticipated activities. We operate in a fast-moving and competitive global environment and therefore need employees to be flexible.
 
Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Manufacturing: 7 years minimum (Required)
• Continuous Improvement: 3 years (Preferred)
• Engineering: 1 year (Preferred)

Education:

• Associate’s/Bachelor's (Preferred)
• High School Diploma/ GED (Required)

Work authorization:

• United States (Required)

Work Location:

• One location

Work Remotely:

• No