Production Consultant
Akzo Nobel

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands - including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon - is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today - while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com

© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose

The Production Consultant will provide expert guidance and strategic recommendations to enhance manufacturing operations, improve productivity, reduce waste, and ensure high product quality. This role involves analyzing existing production processes, identifying areas for improvement, implementing best practices, and assisting in the adoption of innovative technologies. The consultant will work closely with production teams, managers, and leadership to drive continuous improvement initiatives, streamline workflows, and achieve cost-effectiveness while maintaining safety standards and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate current manufacturing processes, workflows, and systems to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Conduct time-and-motion studies and data analysis to quantify performance metrics and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Propose and develop strategies to optimize production workflows, reduce cycle times, and minimize waste (e.g., implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies).
• Recommend equipment upgrades, software tools, or automation solutions to improve production capacity and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction through process optimization, materials management, and workforce scheduling.
• Collaborate with management to implement cost-saving strategies while ensuring minimal impact on product quality.
• Advise on the development and improvement of quality control systems to ensure products meet regulatory standards and customer specifications.
• Implement measures to reduce defects, improve first-pass yields, and maintain consistent product quality.
• Provide training to production teams on best practices, process improvements, and safety standards.
• Help build a culture of continuous improvement and empower team members to identify and solve operational issues.
• Research and recommend emerging technologies or innovations that can enhance production processes, such as automation, AI, or data analytics.
• Support the implementation of new systems and technologies, including training staff and troubleshooting initial challenges.
• Lead or support project teams in the implementation of process improvements, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to scope.
• Work closely with management, engineers, and cross-functional teams to coordinate activities and resolve any production-related challenges.
• Analyze production schedules and assist in balancing workloads to meet customer demand while optimizing equipment and labor utilization.
• Advise on strategies for reducing downtime, enhancing equipment uptime, and improving overall production flow.
• Use data and analytics to monitor production performance and identify trends or issues.
• Provide regular reports and performance metrics to management, highlighting areas of success and areas requiring attention.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and workplace standards by recommending process improvements that enhance safety and reduce risks.
• Advise on environmental practices and sustainability initiatives to minimize waste and improve the company's environmental footprint.
• Evaluate supplier performance and recommend improvements in sourcing strategies to optimize materials procurement and inventory management.
• Work with vendors to implement just-in-time (JIT) practices and reduce inventory costs.
• Work with engineering, logistics, quality assurance, and other departments to ensure seamless production operations.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring alignment on objectives and goals.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Basic mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to read and follow batch tickets and production instructions.
• Basic math skills for measuring and weighing materials.
• Strong attention to detail for quality control.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Standing, bending, and walking for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in a noisy and fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with operating machinery such as grinders, extruders, and blenders.
• Understanding of safety protocols and procedures.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and record-keeping.
• Forklift certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Operate and maintain production equipment.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
• Monitor and adjust machine settings for optimal performance.
• Follow safety and environmental regulations.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID:43564

Nearest Major Market: Nashville

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