About this role
Position Summary
The Continuous Improvement Specialist supports operational excellence initiatives throughout the manufacturing facility by observing production processes, collecting and analyzing operational data, identifying improvement opportunities, and assisting with the implementation of process enhancements. This position spends a significant amount of time on the production floor working directly with operators, supervisors, quality, maintenance, and management teams to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency. The role also supports the development of reports, scorecards, and performance metrics used by plant leadership to identify gaps and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct routine observations of production processes, work methods, and facility operations to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Monitor and document existing procedures, workflows, and standard operating practices.
- Collect production, quality, downtime, labor, waste, and efficiency data from various sources.
- Analyze operational data to identify trends, bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
- Assist with time studies, process mapping, workflow analysis, and root cause investigations.
- Support continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction, and waste elimination.
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports, scorecards, dashboards, and presentations for management.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) including production output, OEE, labor efficiency, scrap, downtime, and quality metrics.
- Verify data accuracy and ensure reporting consistency across departments.
- Work closely with production supervisors and operators to gather feedback on current processes and potential improvements.
- Assist in documenting new procedures and updating standard work instructions.
- Participate in problem-solving activities using continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and Root Cause Analysis.
- Follow all food safety, quality, regulatory, and workplace safety requirements.
- Support implementation and follow-up of corrective and preventive actions.
- Maintain a visible presence on the production floor and regularly engage with employees at all levels of the organization.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Associate degree in Business, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Engineering Technology, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
- 0-2 years of manufacturing, operations, production, data analysis, or continuous improvement experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to organize data and create reports for leadership review.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of business information.
Preferred
- Experience in a food manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, or continuous improvement concepts.
- Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI.
- Experience creating dashboards, scorecards, or KPI reports.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to spend 60-80% of working time on the production floor.
- Ability to walk, stand, and observe manufacturing operations for extended periods.
- Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, humid, noisy, and refrigerated environments as required.
- Ability to climb stairs, bend, reach, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Key Competencies
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Data Collection & Analysis
- Attention to Detail
- Process Observation
- Root Cause Analysis
- Communication Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Report Preparation
- Organizational Skills
- Problem Solving
- Initiative and Accountability