Advanced Problem Solver / Master Black Belt (MBB)

Job Description

Job DescriptionCompany Overview:https://vseconsultinggroup.com/# VSE Consulting Group, LLC (“VSE”) is a management consulting company focused on providing consulting services for Lean Manufacturing, quality improvement, and business & technology development. VSE’s primary customers are large automotive OEM, Tier 1 & 2 suppliers, and other plants within the manufacturing industry. To our clients, VSE is a solution provider for real-world business and process problems. VSE was founded on a simple premise -- provide highly skilled and experienced consultants to support and generate significant value to our customers. We partner with organization leaders and their staff members to deliver solutions, develop employees, and transfer knowledge, to achieve and sustain customer goals. VSE Consulting Group, LLC (“VSE”) is seeking highly skilled individuals to join our team and support our clients improve quality at their assembly plants. VSE’s success has been driven by leveraging highly skilled, experienced, and talented people to deliver outstanding services to our Manufacturing clients. Position SummaryThe Advance Problem Solver / Master Black Belt (MBB) will be a plant expert to support hourly and salary staff at the customer’s assembly plant. This position is intended to be the plant focal point for driving problem solving for Systemic Quality Issues, which includes root cause validation, corrective actions (containment, and permanent) and measurement to ensure sustainment. The MBB will assist in prioritizing Top Issues, assign ‘Projects’ (i.e. BB, Six Sigma, DMAICs, Kaizens) and develop and execute Continuous Improvement activities utilizing Lean, Six Sigma and other Methods/Tools. The MBB will simultaneously lead problem solving on specific issues and coach/mentor other customer problem solvers to further develop their skills and knowledge (in problem solving methodologies / tools). You will work with cross-functional team members to successfully complete these initiatives. Additionally, you will support targeted activities in support of the plant improving their KPI performance: including but not limited to; lessons learned, process mapping, workshops and identifying and eliminating barriers to quality improvement. This MBB will become knowledgeable in supporting the problems occurring within a plant’s Assembly Process (i.e. Body, Trim, Chassis, Final, and Repair) and experienced with carry-over plants and launching plants. The MBB will support the plant and corporate cross-functional team during new vehicle launches (New Vehicles/MCAs) and may utilize the Proactive & Preventative methods & tools to reduce risk. Furthermore, the MBB will build effective relationships with key individuals within critical departments (Customer and VSE) that are required to ensure the Project / Engagement is successful and to ensure weekly progress is sustained. MBBs must have automotive assembly expertise in one or more of the four areas listed below. Please demonstrate how you have solved complex issues using major and/or advanced problem-solving tools (Reactive, Preventative). Specialist Area of Expertise Area Of Experience

• Body, Trim, Dimension: Panel Fit – Exterior Panels, Exterior Ornamentation, Interior fit
• Electrical Wiring/Systems: Electrical FTC, Wiring, Missing Connectors, Software, Testing
• Torque Process & Control: Joint Design, Station Controls, Tooling Strategy, Parameters, Capability
• Fluid Fills (AC, Brakes, Coolant): System Design & Process, Process Controls, Strategy / Parameters & Tooling Capability, and maintenance plans

The MBB will provide services at the plant (onsite) and integrate themselves into the customer plant to work closely with both salaried and hourly personnel. In addition, they will develop a close working relationship with all critical customer groups (i.e. plant production, plant quality teams, and corporate teams) to ensure that VSE obtains the required support, and that the customer recognizes the benefits from VSE support. In addition, the annual ‘Goals’ of the MBB will be aligned with the assembly plant’s goals for driving improvement in critical KPI’s monthly. They will become an active team member for identifying ‘Top Systemic Issues’, ‘Top Zones’, & ‘Top Stations’ and a participant in the ‘Plant’s Problem Solving Process’ and Status Meetings (Tracking action and measuring results). Key Responsibilities:

• Knowledge of critical/higher risk processes that require more controls or monitoring to prevent quality & customer issues
• Support the customer plant & corporate FPS (Ford Production System) Staff will creating and managing activities (i.e. Classes, Certifications Processes, Project Review Office Hours, 1-on-1 Coaching) to develop the plant’s Problem Solver Bench and capabilities.
• Maintain regular communication with the plant personnel (Plant Floor, and Management) to facilitate progress, resolution of issues and prompt escalation of issues (when needed)
• Support projects, provide technical expertise and drive other initiatives & methods that will improve vehicle quality. Ultimately, supporting the plant achievement of their goals (KPIs: FTC, FTT, STC, RTY, Daily Build, Unavailable Inventory, Warranty, etc.)
• Provide Daily / Weekly Reports for VSE, Plant Leadership / Management Staff, and Production Team to support improvements in Top issues & Trends, and value generated by VSE (and opportunities to drive more improvement)
• Participate in Process Observations (POA/GEBMA) for Station Reviews, Risk Assessments, Training, Root Cause Analysis, Control Plan Assessments, Containment and Permanent Actions
• In summary, the MBB is a VSE Leader at the assembly plant to ensure the Problem-Solving Activities provided generate ‘substantial benefit/value’ to the customer and their plant, by:
• Increasing the number of systemic issues resolved via advanced problem-solving projects and ‘Robust Solutions’.
• Driving sustained improvements in the plants KPIs.
• Increasing units shipped (daily) without offline repairs needed.
• The development of the customer’s internal problems solvers with the capability to sustain KPI performance independently.

Position Qualifications:Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in the fields of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Technical Degree or other degrees (in combination with relevant experience may be considered)
• Previous experience working at and/or providing significant support to automotive assembly plants
• Previous experience in Advance Problem Solving Methodologies and Tools for a minimum of 10 years.
• Certified as a Master Blackbelt in Lean, Six Sigma, Shainin, or equivalent methods
• Well versed in office computer systems / applications (i.e. Microsoft 365)
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Fluent in English - Written & VerbaPreferred:

• OEM product engineering and quality improvement experience
• 15 years of experience in Manufacturing, Automotive Industry, Tier 1 or OEM Assembly Plant
• Experience developing BBs / MBBs through projects and the achievement of their certifications
• Experience in improving assembly processes, new launches, PFMEA, and Proactive/Preventative tools
• Good leadership presence with the ability to work with Plant management and Plant Floor personnel.
• Self-motivated and ability to thrive in a high intensity environment while working on multiple projects

VSE is an Equal Opportunity Company: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.