CI BLACK BELT - MAINTENANCE

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD), a Fortune 500 manufacturer of industrial gases and chemicals, has immediate openings for experienced CI Black Belts to work with the GSS Maintenance Team.

This is a residence-based position and is open US wide; a West Coast and Midwest location is preferred.

In order to contribute to the achievement of the worldwide corporate Continuous Improvement goals associated with tripling the rate of productivity, the Maintenance CI Black Belt position is focused on leading process improvement activity and reliability improvement through the use of CI tools to accomplish an assigned improvement objective in a specific organization. These individuals are able to motivate, energize and execute change initiatives. They serve as change facilitators, internal CI tool mentors and coaches to drive CI events on an ongoing basis within Maintenance and GSS communities.

The CI Black Belt will advocate for new ways of doing things, challenge conventional wisdom by introducing and demonstrating proven strategies. The individual will continuously coach others on the value of using the tools, the impact of having optimal processes and systems, the vision of how to get there, and most importantly, how it results in increased productivity and higher satisfaction for customers and employees. The CI Black Belt will perform the following activities in a manner that promotes a team concept and reflects the philosophy of the CI Model:

• PEOPLE: Create a team environment where people are encouraged to share ideas, are energized to participate and challenge the status quo.
• FOCUS: Partner with CI Action Team and Line Organization members to develop the scope of CI events and evaluate potential benefits prior to execution of the event to ensure the appropriateness of the event relative to the organization’s CI plan.
• TOOLS: Coach and guide team members through the execution of a CI event by following the prescribed use of the CI Tool to achieve established objectives.
• LEARNING: Actively contribute and support the larger CI Community of Practice to ensure internal and external knowledge sharing and the continuous improvement of the tool applications and the facilitators’ skills
• LEADERSHIP: Engage the support and buy-in of leaders within your organization by promoting the importance and value of the CI Model and Process.

QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires a strong interest in CI and a desire to progress towards Black Belt status if not already. A maintenance background is preferred along with some form of core previous skill base in turnaround planning, maintenance management, rotating equipment, electrical, instrumentation, welding or pipefitting. The CI Black Belt, depending on experience level, is expected to apply tools ranging from one tool within one familiar organization to multiple tools across multiple unrelated organizations worldwide. Each CI Black Belt will lead 4-10 people during each CI tool application event. This will be a virtual relationship requiring a high degree of influence and project management skills. The CI Black Belt must possess a very high level of leadership, communication, organization and problem solving skills. This is a developmental role to create broad exposure to structured improvement techniques, group facilitation, change management and problem solving in preparation for positions requiring these skills.

While the position has no operating budget, each CI Black Belt will execute events within an assigned budget that generate savings up to $1MM per year, and may encompass varying levels of both soft and hard savings, depending on the particular tool applied, the scope of the event and organization.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products has annual revenues of $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 22,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com

Air Products offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays/vacation, affordable medical, dental, life insurance, pension and 401K plans.

To apply, please visit the Air Products Career Center at www.airproducts.com/careers Click on North America, then select Career Center. Apply specifically to Job Req #1791BR.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those applicants who are being considered for an interview, or are currently employed by Air Products, will be contacted.

Air Products is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V) where diversity matters.