Material Flow Engineer (Analyst, Engineering)

This role in summary

Whirlpool is currently seeking qualified candidates for a Material Flow Engineer. 

This is an onsite role at our Cleveland, TN location.

Work as part of a team to complete kaizen projects to attack losses in the plant. The successful candidate will work within the Cleveland Materials department as the person responsible for a specific area of the plant. The successful candidate will interact with internal customers as well as outside vendors to support kaizen work. He or she will also create purchase orders for components and schedule/track/audit the work. Some weekend work may be necessary.

Your responsibilities will include

• Support production day to day to achieve plant metrics in safety, quality, cost, and delivery using various systems such as Leansuite, Lodestar and Gensuite 
• Drive Safety, Quality, Productivity, and Engagement throughout the entire plant 
• Develop creative solutions and lead capital projects that support the long term strategy of the Whirlpool initiatives. 
• Focus on rack management and rack design with new product integration 
• Understand and lead route maximization through data analysis 
• Lead World Class Manufacturing (WCM) expansion activities through Logistics Customer Service (LCS) Pillar 
• Lead continuous improvement activities utilizing the WCM methodology in support of plant metrics. The person in this role will support our WCM implementation with specific targets to meet. 
• Perform root cause analysis based on data to eliminate losses. 
• Data collection and analysis will play a big part of your job. Once losses are identified a countermeasure in the form of a kaizen will be implemented against the root cause issue. You will manage the kaizen from start to finish through the various internal tollgates. Support operations in the form of coming up with creative solutions to immediate problems. Lead/work in small cross functional teams. Develop solutions and lead capital projects that support the long term manufacturing strategy of the Cleveland operation. 
• Specify, order and assure proper implementation of new process & equipment 
• Maintain quality standards within the department.
• Work with the Materials Manager to define equipment and process standards to be implemented throughout the Logistics and Manufacturing environments. 
• Communicate to work teams, shop floor leaders, and other departments to ensure flawless execution and efficiency. 
• Support maintenance department in troubleshooting critical issues 
• Drive process improvements using lean manufacturing concepts and tools 
• Demonstrated capability in leading and managing large scale projects, installations, working closely with vendors, project teams, etc. 
• Lead team of Engineering Technician(s) to drive projects and solutions.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment 

Preferred skills and experiences

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Materials Management
• Presentation and facilitation skills 
• Experience in a manufacturing environment with a good understanding of plant operations 
• Previous experience in a WCM manufacturing environment
• Possess good judgment, planning and analytical skills with the ability to introduce new and different concepts into an existing organization. 
• Experience collaborating across departments 
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Well-developed communication, conflict management, coaching, interpersonal and team building skills 
• Solid decision-making and judgment skills 
• Resourcefulness in accomplishing objectives and completing tasks Proven problem solving skills 
• Outstanding organizational skills 
• Ability to be self directed and self motivated
• SAP Experience - preferably in Material Master Data 

What we offer

Generous benefits package, Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).

Additional information

Whirlpool’s Ways of Working

Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day.  We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:

• Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed. 

• Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.

• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.