Project Specialist

Job Summary

The COS Project Specialist II plays a key role in advancing the Carlisle Operating System (COS) by leading and supporting continuous improvement (CI) initiatives across departments, value streams, and plant functions. This position delivers measurable results aligned with area and departmental goals while contributing to broader organizational objectives.

At this level, the Specialist independently manages moderately complex projects, applies Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to non-routine problems, and collaborates cross-functionally to drive operational excellence. The role is expected to influence outcomes beyond their immediate area, foster strong working relationships, and support the development of a continuous improvement culture.

The COS Project Specialist II partners with the COS Manager and facility leadership to identify opportunities, execute improvement initiatives, and provide informed recommendations aligned with COS standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Continuous Improvement & Execution

• Lead and execute small to mid-scale continuous improvement (CI) initiatives with measurable outcomes across teams and departments.
• Identify, scope, and prioritize improvement opportunities within the facility and across value streams.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma tools to analyze non-routine operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
• Track, measure, and report project performance, including savings, KPI improvements, and operational impact.

Project Management

• Independently manage project timelines, resources, deliverables, and execution for moderately complex initiatives.
• Contribute to project planning, solution evaluation, and risk identification.
• Introduce structure, tools, and discipline to ensure consistent project execution and sustainment.
• Support coordination of cross-functional teams to deliver project objectives aligned to business goals.

Collaboration & Influence

• Collaborate with peers and leaders across departments, functions, and plant operations to achieve shared goals.
• Build strong working relationships across functional boundaries to drive alignment and results.
• Actively participate in and contribute to team-based problem-solving sessions, Kaizen events, and workshops.
• Influence outcomes beyond own area through collaboration on multi-departmental initiatives.

Coaching & Capability Building

• Provide informal coaching and guidance on Lean and Six Sigma principles within the work area.
• Support and/or lead small-scale Kaizen events and continuous improvement activities.
• Encourage team engagement, idea generation, and structured problem-solving approaches.
• Help reinforce COS standards, tools, and behaviors within the organization.

Strategic Alignment & Decision Support

• Support deployment of COS initiatives aligned to facility and business objectives.
• Partner with COS Manager to make operational decisions consistent with COS standards.
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to facility leadership.
• Contribute to building a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Working knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma principles, tools, and methodologies (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, 5S, DMAIC).
• Demonstrated experience applying CI tools in real-world operational environments with increasing independence.
• Understanding of manufacturing or business processes and how systems and functions interrelate.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with limited supervision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Experience leading moderately complex projects across departments or functions.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to solve non-routine problems.
• Experience using data analysis, metrics, and performance tracking to drive decision-making.
• Ability to select appropriate tools and methods to address operational challenges.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to influence without direct authority and work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Skilled at facilitating discussions, problem-solving sessions, and Kaizen events.

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate across functional boundaries.
• Ability to coach peers and support development of CI capabilities within teams.
• Exhibits initiative, accountability, and growing independence in decision-making.

• Ability to identify improvement opportunities and experiment with new methods or tools.
• Encourages creative thinking and team-based solution generation.
• Demonstrates curiosity and commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Education and Experience:

• Required:
  • Associate’s degree in Operations, Purchasing, Business, Finance, Engineering or related field
  • 5 years of experience in business/manufacturing setting
  • Basic lean and Six Sigma experience

• Preferred:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Purchasing, Business, Finance, Engineering or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in business/manufacturing

Working Conditions:

• Office environment within a manufacturing facility which may be dirt, dusty, and hotter/colder than office settings. 

• Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

• Occasional overtime or weekends required. 

The position typically operates during standard business hours of Monday – Friday (8am – 5pm), with occasional flexibility required to accommodate meetings across time zones or critical business needs. The employee is expected to comply with all company policies related to data security, confidentiality, and remote work standards.

Periodic travel may be required for team meetings, training, or company events, with advance notice provided. The company will reimburse travel expenses in accordance with its travel and expense policy.

Physical Requirements:

OCCASIONALLY

FREQUENTLY

CONTINUOUSLY

(0-30%)

(31-60%)

(61-100%)

LIFTING OR CARRYING

·         1-10 LBS

X

·         11-20 LBS

X

·         21-40 LBS

X

·         41-50 LBS

·         51 OR MORE LBS

PUSHING OR PULLING:

·         1-40 LBS

X

·         41-50 LBS

X

·         51 OR MORE LBS

BENDING OR STOOPING

X

REACHING ABOVE SHOULDER LEVEL

X

DRIVING AUTOMATIC EQUIP. VEHICLES

OPERATE MACHINERY OR POWER TOOLS

CLIMBING (LADDERS, STAIRS, ETC.)

WALKING

X

STANDING

X

SITTING

X

WORKING IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES

REPETITIVE MOTION INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: WRISTS, HANDS AND/OR FINGERS)

X

VISION

X

HEARING

X

DEXTERITY

X

HAND EYE COORDINATION

X

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