Continuous Improvement Specialist

Continuous Improvement Specialist

Ultradent, a global leader in oral health, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to help strengthen and expand our Lean culture across the organization. This is a highly visible and influential role that partners with leaders and frontline teams to improve performance, eliminate waste, and build sustainable problem-solving capability.

The ideal candidate is someone who aligns with our CI Team Mission “To partner with teams to develop people, eliminate waste, and drive continuous improvement.”  As a member of the Continuous Improvement team, you will work to create an organization where people at every level act as respectful coaches and capable problem solvers, improving real work through hands-on application every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders and team members at all levels to identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement opportunities aligned with business objectives.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional Kaizen Events, Workshops, and Problem-Solving Sessions – Including post event tracking and long-term sustainability.
• Coach and mentor teams on Lean thinking, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement behaviors.
• Support the deployment and consistent use of CI tools and methods, including 5S, PDCA, DMAIC, VSM, Standard Work, etc.
• Assist in the development, delivery and improvement of CI training materials, coordinate and support training efforts across departments.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and facilitator during change, helping teams navigate resistance and adopt new ways of working.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or operations environment (medical device, regulated manufacturing, or high-mix environments preferred).
• Working knowledge of Lean and Continuous Improvement fundamentals (e.g., 8 Wastes, Gemba, Flow, Root Cause Analysis, etc).
• Strong facilitation skills with the ability to guide teams through structured problem solving.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to influence without authority.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across functions and organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification (preferred but not required).
• Experience leading Kaizen events and coaching teams through improvement initiatives.
• Exposure to training delivery, curriculum development, or mentoring leaders and frontline employees.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Teams are more confident and capable in identifying and solving their own problems.
• CI tools are applied consistently and appropriately—not just during events.
• Improvement efforts are aligned to business priorities and produce measurable results.
• Leaders view CI as a system and mindset, not a one-time project.

Ultradent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a global culture where differences and perspectives are sought after, welcomed, and embraced. We consider all qualified applicants fairly, based on their experience, skills, and potential to contribute to our team. Our core values – Integrity, care, quality, innovation, and hard work- guide us daily. These values, when balanced, shape our workplace culture and ensure that we remain focused on our vision while maintaining a professional and inclusive environment.
  
VEVRAA Federal Contractor: For more information please contact us at [email protected]
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