Continuous Improvement Specialist

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.