Continuous Improvement Specialist, Aiken SC

Job Summary

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for leading efforts to identify, analyze, and implement process improvements within manufacturing operations. The role focuses on driving efficiency gains, reducing waste, and enhancing overall production quality to meet business objectives. This position will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify key areas for improvement and develop strategies to optimize processes using established methodologies, including lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. The ideal candidate will be passionate about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Process Optimization: Apply proven continuous improvement strategies, tools, and techniques (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance production capabilities.
• Value Stream Mapping: Utilize value stream mapping to document, analyze, and assess current processes. Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and key improvement areas to drive process enhancements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead cross-functional teams, including shop floor staff, production, and quality teams, to design, implement, and sustain process improvements that align with organizational goals.
• Improvement Opportunity Identification: Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement based on operational data, potential return on investment (ROI), and alignment with business goals.
• Alignment with Business Objectives: Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement initiatives are aligned with broader business goals, including safety, quality, and cost reduction.
• Effectiveness Monitoring: Regularly track, monitor, and evaluate the success of implemented initiatives, utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess progress and identify opportunities for further refinement.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Conduct data collection and root cause analysis on defects, scrap, and other production issues by engaging operators and quality teams to identify underlying causes and develop corrective actions.
• Training and Development: Provide on-site training, coaching, and support to staff at all levels on continuous improvement tools, methodologies, and best practices.
• Sustainability Focus: Ensure that process improvements are sustainable by developing action plans for ongoing monitoring and continuous refinement.
  
  

Qualifications

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field is required. Advanced certifications or coursework in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Experience:
• A minimum of 1-3 years of hands-on experience in a continuous improvement role, specifically within a manufacturing environment. Experience in driving process optimization, waste reduction, and operational excellence initiatives is highly preferred.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and executing successful process improvements with measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, waste reduction, quality enhancement).
• Experience with plant or production floor operations and familiarity with manufacturing systems, processes, and equipment.
• Continuous Improvement Methodologies:
• Expertise in implementing continuous improvement frameworks such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and 5S. Practical experience with Kaizen events, DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), and other process optimization tools is essential.
• Experience in Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Analytical & Data-Driven Approach:
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to extract insights from large datasets, identify patterns, and draw actionable conclusions to improve processes.
• Proficient in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Power BI) to drive data-driven decision-making. Ability to use these tools to track performance, analyze production metrics, and present findings effectively to stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze production data, identify process inefficiencies, and develop corrective and preventive actions to address issues at their root cause.
• Leadership & Project Management:
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in leading cross-functional teams to achieve continuous improvement goals, ensuring buy-in from various departments (e.g., production, quality, engineering, maintenance).
• Ability to influence and motivate teams to embrace change and engage in problem-solving activities that contribute to achieving continuous improvement targets.
• Experience in managing improvement projects from inception to completion, including project planning, resource allocation, milestone tracking, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, including timeline management, risk assessment, and cost control. PMP certification is a plus.
• Communication & Collaboration:
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present ideas, data, and results to senior management and operational teams at all levels.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across multiple departments. Ability to facilitate effective workshops and training sessions on continuous improvement concepts and tools.
• Comfortable presenting to executive leadership and other stakeholders with confidence and clarity.
• Change Management & Sustainability:
• Experience in managing change within a manufacturing environment, ensuring that continuous improvement initiatives are effectively integrated into day-to-day operations and are sustained long-term.
• Ability to design systems that embed continuous improvement principles into the company’s culture, driving ongoing, incremental process enhancements across the organization.
• Certifications:
• Six Sigma Greenbelt (required); Six Sigma Blackbelt is a plus.
• Lean Manufacturing Certification is highly desirable.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is an asset.