SR Cont Impr Spec - MFG

Position Summary

The Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for leading and sustaining operational excellence initiatives across the manufacturing organization. This role drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity through the application of Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and structured problem-solving techniques. The position partners with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to identify opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, and develop a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives focused on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity (SQDCP) performance.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing implementation through the use of standard Lean tools including:
  • 6S Workplace Organization
  • Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
  • Kaizen Events
  • Standard Work
  • Visual Management
  • Daily Management Systems
  • Kanban/Pull Systems
  • SMED (Quick Changeover)
  • Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
  • Waste Elimination (8 Wastes)
• Develop, implement, and sustain 6S standards across manufacturing areas through regular audits, coaching, and employee engagement.
• Lead Six Sigma and Root Cause investigations using structured methodologies such as DMAIC, A3 Problem Solving, 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Diagrams, Pareto Analysis, and Statistical Analysis where appropriate.
• Own and manage productivity improvement projects that deliver measurable gains in labor efficiency, throughput, cycle time reduction, and equipment utilization.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives through process optimization, waste elimination, material savings, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Establish project charters, define success metrics, track milestones, and ensure projects deliver sustainable financial results.
• Own reporting and communication of continuous improvement metrics including productivity, cost savings, scrap reduction, cycle time improvements, and overall project ROI.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to identify process improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Analyze manufacturing data and performance metrics to identify trends, losses, and improvement opportunities.
• Facilitate Kaizen workshops and cross-functional improvement events.
• Develop and maintain standard work documentation, process controls, and visual management systems.
• Coach, mentor, and train employees at all levels in Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Support new product introductions by incorporating Lean principles into manufacturing processes.
• Conduct process audits to ensure improvements are sustained and standardized.
• Promote a culture of employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Project Ownership

The Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist is expected to own the execution, tracking, and delivery of projects related to:

• Scrap reduction and yield improvement
• Productivity improvement
• Labor efficiency
• Manufacturing cost reduction
• Capacity improvement
• Cycle time reduction
• Inventory reduction
• Process standardization
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvement
• Safety and ergonomic improvements

Training & Leadership Responsibilities

• Deliver Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement training programs.
• Train employees on 6S, Standard Work, Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis, and Lean tools.
• Mentor supervisors, engineers, and frontline associates on Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and Kaizen events.
• Develop internal Continuous Improvement champions across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 5–10 years of experience leading Continuous Improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean Manufacturing systems and driving measurable operational improvements.
• Strong knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies and statistical problem-solving techniques.
• Experience leading cross-functional project teams.
• Proven ability to influence change across all organizational levels.
• Strong analytical, communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification.
• Certified Lean Practitioner.
• Experience with ERP and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Experience with KPI development and dashboard reporting.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or other manufacturing quality systems.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Scrap reduction performance
• Productivity improvement (%)
• Annual cost savings delivered
• Lean project completion rate
• Six Sigma project success rate
• 6S audit scores
• OEE improvements
• Cycle time reductions
• Employee training completion and engagement
• Sustainment of implemented improvements
• Return on Investment (ROI) of Continuous Improvement initiatives

Core Competencies

• Lean Manufacturing
• Continuous Improvement
• Six Sigma
• Project Management
• Root Cause Analysis
• Change Management
• Data Analysis
• Process Optimization
• Coaching and Training
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Strategic Thinking
• Results Orientation
• Leadership and Influence

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in a manufacturing facility and requires frequent presence on the production floor. The role involves walking, standing, observing manufacturing processes, facilitating improvement events, and collaborating directly with production teams to achieve operational excellence.