Continuous Improvement Leader

Continuous Improvement Leader 

Job Type Full-time

San Jose, CA

Full-time | Permanent | Onsite 

Salaried | $125k - $140k

 *We are not currently working with third party agencies on this role. 

About Us:

Vantedge Medical is the premier metals-based med-tech solutions partner from concept to full-scale manufacturing. We are at the forefront of precision engineering and innovation, specializing in the development and manufacturing of vital components for medical markets such as Robotic Assisted Surgery, Orthopedics, Surgical Instruments, Dental, and more. Our teams work in unison, collaborating and problem-solving to serve the manufacturing needs of the top Medical Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) around the globe. Making a difference in the lives of patients and their families drives us to go above and beyond every day. With a steadfast commitment to advancing medical technology, we take immense pride in the work we do – and have a lot of fun doing it.

About the Role:

As the Continuous Improvement (CI) Leader, you will drive lean transformation initiatives across the facility by leading cross-functional teams, facilitating kaizen events, and fostering a culture of disciplined problem-solving and continuous improvement. Guided by our Vantedge Operating System (VOS) principles, your focus will be on eliminating waste, optimizing flow, enhancing employee engagement, and delivering sustainable improvements in operational performance. You will lead CI efforts that support quality enhancements, equipment and tooling upgrades, automation optimization, and overall manufacturing flow improvements. A key part of your role will be ensuring strong associate and leadership engagement in all improvement activities, while driving long-term sustainment through disciplined KPI tracking and follow-through on action plans.

Responsibilities:

• Champion the use of Lean tools and methodologies including value stream mapping, standardized work, visual management, takt time, pull systems, SMED, 5S, and problem-solving (A3/PDCA).
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to understand their needs, gather input and ensure buy-in for improvement initiatives in their areas for the lean roadmap
• Drive effective kaizen charter creation or “just do it” write ups with the process owners that align with the site goals and objectives
• Plan, lead, and follow up on kaizen events focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale.
• Effectively lead kaizen training and execution according to the lean roadmap in coordination with site & OpEx (VOS) leadership
• Drive rapid cycle experimentation and data-driven decision-making during events.
• Use data and go to gemba to drive charter and KPI creation and tracking.
• Hold kaizen teams accountable for closing out kaizen newspaper actions and achieving kaizen KPIs in support of site goals and objectives.
• Train and mentor all levels of the organization on lean thinking, from frontline associates to leadership.
• Promote a culture of “Go See, Ask Why, Show Respect”.
• Track all training participants in training log and work with HR training team on CA credit annually.
• Facilitate daily management and tiered accountability systems to enable transparency and responsiveness.
• Support new product introductions, layout redesigns, and process improvements for productivity and quality gains using lean concepts.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to eliminate bottlenecks and reduce variation.
• Support the creation and tracking of Kaizen newspaper action item closure rates
• Support the creation and measurement of Kaizen/Just-Do-It KPI tracking improvement rates
• Coordinate and work with leaders and peers throughout the site to calculate and track Kaizen/Just-Do-It cost savings

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Industrial Engineering or similar with applicable experience is required.
• Lean, SixSigma, and/or Project Management certification strongly preferred
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with a minimum of 3 years directly involved in lean/CI leadership
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and change management skills.
• Strong leadership skills – directly and indirectly.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with proficiency in tools like A3 thinking, 8D, and root cause analysis.
• High energy, self-motivated, and results oriented.
• Experience working in a metal fabrication or contract manufacturing environment is highly desirable.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and SmartSheet required.
• Working knowledge of ISO and FDA regulations.
• Some lifting, 50lbs or less, may be needed less than 25% of the time.