Continuous Improvement & Training Specialist – OPEX

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement & Training Specialist is an individual contributor role responsible for driving operational efficiency, waste reduction, and workforce capability development within a manufacturing environment. This role partners with production, quality, engineering, and HR teams to implement Lean manufacturing initiatives while designing and delivering training that supports process adoption and employee skill development. The Specialist ensures improvements are sustained through standard work, effective training, and measurable performance outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Identify and eliminate waste in manufacturing processes.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and root cause analysis sessions.
• Improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance on the production floor.
• Develop and implement standard work, visual management, and 5S practices.
• Analyze production metrics such as OEE, scrap, downtime, and cycle time.
• Drive sustainable process improvements and ensure adoption across teams.
• Design and deliver training programs for operators, supervisors, and team leads.
• Create structured onboarding and upskilling programs for manufacturing roles.
• Develop training materials including SOPs, job aids, and visual work instructions.
• Facilitate hands-on and classroom-style training sessions.
• Coach employees on continuous improvement tools and problem-solving techniques.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through observations, assessments, and performance data.
• Partner with P&O COE team and leadership to identify skill gaps and training needs.
• Support change management and reinforce learning through on-the-job application.
• Track training completion, skill progression, and workforce capability metrics.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning on the production floor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, HR/P&O, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–7 years of experience in manufacturing, continuous improvement, or training roles.
• Hands-on experience with Lean manufacturing tools (Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping).
• Experience facilitating training in a production or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs (OEE, scrap, yield, cycle time).
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and communication skills.
• Ability to influence and engage employees at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in Excel, Power BI, or similar tools.

Essential Job Functions 

• Regular and on-time attendance.  
• Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to stand/walk the production floor for extended periods
• Ability to facilitate group training sessions

Perks & Benefits

Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 14 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave, life insurance, short & long-term disability, on-site gym access, health & wellbeing center, on-site café, walking trails, tuition assistance, and more!

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