Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Description

Job Purpose:

The Continuous Improvement Specialist supports operational excellence within an intensive manufacturing environment by driving process optimization, waste reduction, and quality enhancement initiatives. The role is highly hands-on, involving regular presence on the shop floor to observe processes, implement improvements, and engage employees in problem-solving activities. Working closely with the Operations Manager, production teams, and cross-functional departments, the specialist contributes to building a culture of continuous improvement through data-driven analysis, pilot projects, and collaborative initiatives.

 Key Responsibilities

• Lead lean process improvements by conducting value stream mapping, kaizen events, and implementing tools like 5S, Kanban, and visual management to eliminate waste, optimize workflows, and achieve 10-15% annual efficiency gains in metrics such as cycle time, throughput, and inventory turnover.
• Manage quality assurance through developing protocols, performing hands-on audits, investigating non-conformances with tools like 8D and SPC, ensuring compliance with standards (e.g., ISO 9001), and reducing defects by 20% via KPIs like first-pass yield and rework rates.
• Oversee training and development by designing and delivering hands-on programs on lean, quality, and safety; assessing skill gaps; facilitating workshops and certifications; evaluating effectiveness; and achieving 80% staff completion of annual training while supporting change management.
• Perform general duties including active participation in gemba walks, daily meetings, and shift handovers; preparing monthly reports on projects and ROI; collaborating across departments; staying updated on industry trends; and prioritizing safety per OSHA guidelines.
• Drive overall performance improvements measured by waste/defect/downtime reductions, training feedback scores, employee engagement, and 10-15% increases in OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).

 Qualification & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Operations Management, or a related field; certifications in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred) or equivalent experience.
• 4-5 years of experience in manufacturing, with proven hands-on involvement in lean implementations and quality systems.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel, Minitab, root cause analysis (e.g., fishbone, Pareto) or similar for data analysis and quality methods (e.g., poka-yoke, 8D).
• Excellent communication and facilitation abilities to train diverse teams and lead without formal authority.
• Hands-on mindset: Willingness to work on the production floor, including physical tasks like process mapping and equipment setup.
• Problem-solving orientation with a focus on practical, sustainable solutions.