Continuous Improvement Specialist

Position Summary We are seeking a motivated, hands-on Continuous Improvement / Lean Specialist to support operational excellence initiatives within a growing manufacturing facility specializing in data center cooling and air handling equipment. This position will focus on identifying process improvement opportunities, supporting, and leading Lean Manufacturing initiatives, analyzing operational performance, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. The ideal candidate has a foundational understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles, strong analytical and organizational skills, and a desire to develop their project management and continuous improvement capabilities. This role provides an opportunity to take ownership of improvement activities, facilitate continuous improvement projects, and contribute to larger cross-functional initiatives. Key Responsibilities 1. Continuous Improvement & Project Coordination (30%) Support and lead continuous improvement projects focused on manufacturing efficiency, quality, safety, and cost reduction. Develop basic project plans, schedules, action item trackers, and implementation timelines. Coordinate improvement activities with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production Leadership. Track project milestones, document progress, and communicate updates to stakeholders. Identify project risks, barriers, and resource needs, escalating concerns when appropriate. Assist with project charters, process documentation, and improvement reports. Lead improvement initiatives independently while supporting large scale projects Measure and document project results, including productivity improvements, waste reduction, and cost savings. 2. Lean Manufacturing & Process Improvement (30%) Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to identify and eliminate waste within manufacturing operations. Support and facilitate 5S activities, Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and Value Stream Mapping exercises. Conduct time studies, cycle time observations, and basic production capacity assessments. Lead production line balancing, takt time analysis, and material flow improvements. Develop and update standard work instructions, visual controls, and process documentation. Identify opportunities to improve workstation organization, ergonomics, and manufacturing efficiency. Support implementation of pull systems, Kanban, and point-of-use material organization. Work directly with production employees and supervisors to identify process challenges and implement practical solutions. Assist with manufacturing layout improvements and process standardization. 3. Data Analysis & Performance Tracking (20%) Collect, analyze, and report manufacturing performance data to identify improvement opportunities. Support development and maintenance of operational KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. Utilize Microsoft Excel and other reporting tools to organize data, identify trends, and measure process performance. Assist with development of visual management boards, performance dashboards, and project tracking tools. Establish baseline measurements and track results following process improvements. Prepare reports and presentations summarizing findings, project status, and improvement opportunities. Support validation of cost savings, productivity improvements, and process efficiency gains. Maintain accurate continuous improvement project documentation and performance records. 4. Lean Training & Continuous Improvement Culture (20%) Support Lean Manufacturing training and employee engagement activities. Facilitate or co-facilitate 5S workshops, improvement meetings, and problem-solving sessions. Participate in Gemba walks and collaborate with production teams to identify improvement opportunities. Coach employees on basic Lean principles, waste identification, and standardized work practices. Support implementation and sustainment…

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