Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Description:

Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist

Columbus, OH

Multiple Opportunities

Are you ready to champion a zero-loss culture on the manufacturing shop floor? As a Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist, you will be the driving force behind loss elimination, providing crucial leadership across all MSE pillars—with a dedicated focus on advancing Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Focused Improvement (FI). In this role, you won't just manage processes; you will empower and upskill frontline operating teams, elevating their technical mastery of process control while partnering directly with Daily Management System (DMS) owners to lock in sustainable operational excellence.

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist is responsible for leading loss elimination and is critical to support all MSE pillars, specifically AM and FI. The CI Specialist is expected to develop the operating teams’ technical understanding and mastery of process control, area operation and to support all Daily Management Systems (DMS) owners.

What are we looking for?

Minimum:

- Bachelor’s in Engineering, Supply, Business, or technical field of study or 4 years’ experience in manufacturing with TPM (MSE) participation
- 3+ years of hands-on experience working within a manufacturing environment utilizing Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Focused Improvement (FI) pillars.
- Direct experience executing and maintaining daily Autonomous Maintenance Daily Management Systems, specifically Centerline (CL), Clean, Inspect, Lubricate (CIL), and Abnormality Handling (AH).
- Proficiency in basic problem-solving tools (such as the 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and basic Root Cause Analysis) with a track record of applying them to eliminate line losses.
- Demonstrated ability to collect, interpret, and report operational and machine performance data.
- Experience actively participating in daily operational tier meetings (such as FMOS tier meetings) and communicating technical action plans clearly to a diverse team.
- Highly proficient in SAP and the Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) to support administrative, operational, and presentation workflows.

Preferred:

- Extensive experience and deep subject matter expertise in Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Focused Improvement (FI) pillars.
- Proven success in AM and FI pillars, with a documented history of designing and executing line-level training and coaching programs for operators and technical teams.
- Experience facilitating Area Loss Analysis and successfully creating and driving 90-day to 1-year area improvement roadmaps that deliver measurable reduction in losses.
- Mastery of advanced problem-solving tools (such as Six Sigma Green/Black Belt methodologies, FMEA, or advanced RCPS) to solve complex, chronic chronic losses.
- Proven capability to operate effectively within an operational "triad" (partnering proactively with Shift Managers and Technical Owners) to drive a zero-loss culture on the shop floor.
- Expert-level understanding of both PDCA and SDCA cycles to systematically transition from standardizing baseline performance to driving continuous improvement.

What are the job responsibilities?

- Serve as the on-site Subject Matter Expert (SME) for continuous improvement methodologies, with a dedicated focus on driving the Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Focused Improvement (FI) pillars, while proactively training and upskilling frontline team members.
- Actively lead performance discussions during daily Factory Management Operating System (FMOS) meetings by presenting machine-level health metrics, defining immediate action plans, and communicating completed recovery work.
- Facilitate and take full ownership of the Area Loss Analysis process; systematically gather, analyze, and translate line data into high-impact 90-day and 1-year continuous improvement roadmaps.
- Own and govern the daily execution of AM Daily Management Systems (DMS)—including Centerline (CL), Clean-Inspect-Lubricate (CIL), Abnormality Handling (AH), and 5S—as well as the line's Changeover DMS to ensure robust PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) and SDCA (Standardize-Do-Check-Act) cycles.
- Actively champion and support Integrated Work Team (IWT) initiatives, aligning efforts across AM and Planned Maintenance (PM) activities to maximize line reliability.
- Lead structured, cross-functional problem-solving initiatives to eradicate chronic area losses, utilizing both foundational and advanced Root Cause Problem Solving (RCPS) toolsets.
- Act as an internal coach, empowering and developing shop floor associates' problem-solving capabilities to resolve baseline issues autonomously.
- Operate as a key member of the shift "triad" (Operations, Technical, and Quality/MSE), providing proactive, real-time support to day-to-day manufacturing operations.

What can you expect from Mars?

- Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
- Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
- A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
- An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.

Find out more about what Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site.