CI & Automation Specialist

EQI Ltd.; Spring Lake (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

EQI Ltd. in Spring Lake, MI seeks a Continuous Improvement & Automation Specialist to drive operational excellence across Demand Planning, Inventory Management, and Customer Order Management. You will identify inefficiencies, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance system utilization using AI-powered solutions.

The successful candidate will combine analytical rigor with technical know-how to improve processes, leverage ERP/MRP, and partner with business teams on automation priorities.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in business analysis, supply chain, or similar.
• Experience with ERP systems and business data.
• Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables and data analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Experience with AI tools (Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT).
• Experience with Power BI, Power Query, or Power Automate.
• Experience with lean tools (value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban).
• Project management skills for CI/Lean initiatives.
• Basic knowledge of SQL or Python.

Responsibilities

• Analyze business processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies.
• Document current-state and future-state processes.
• Support Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Assist root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Standardize and simplify processes across departments.
• Coach/mentor/train team members to optimize and upskill.
• Develop automation solutions to reduce manual effort and repetitive tasks.
• Create tools and workflows that improve productivity and data accuracy.
• Support implementation of workflow automation and digital transformation initiatives.
• Partner with business stakeholders to identify and prioritize automation opportunities.
• Support AI adoption and user training initiatives across the department.
• Build and maintain reports, dashboards, and analytical tools.
• Analyze operational performance data and identify trends and opportunities.
• Support KPI reporting and process performance measurement.
• Develop business insights that support data-driven decision making.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Excel advanced

Communication

Problem solving

SQL basics

Python basics

Data analytics

Cross-functional

Kaizen

Education

College diploma or university degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Data Analytics, or Information Systems

Tools

Power BI

Power Query

Power Automate

Microsoft Copilot

Claude

ChatGPT

SQL

Python

Job description

Continuous Improvement & Automation Specialist

Location: Spring Lake, MI
Department: Demand Planning & Inventory Management
Reports To: Senior Manager, Demand Planning & Inventory Management

About the Role

EQI is seeking a motivated and innovative Continuous Improvement & Automation Specialist to help drive operational excellence across our Demand Planning, Inventory Management, and Customer Order Management functions.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, streamlining processes, and leveraging technology to make work easier and more efficient. You will work closely with business teams to identify inefficiencies, automate repetitive tasks, improve system utilization, and introduce AI-powered solutions that enhance productivity and decision-making.

The successful candidate will have a strong analytical mindset, excellent technical skills, and a passion for continuous improvement and emerging technologies.

What You'll Do

Process Improvement

• Analyze business processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Document current-state and future-state processes.
• Support Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Assist with root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Help standardize and simplify business processes across departments.

• Coach/mentor/train team members to optimize and upskill.

Automation & Digital Transformation

• Develop automation solutions to reduce manual effort and repetitive tasks.
• Create tools and workflows that improve productivity and data accuracy.
• Support implementation of workflow automation and digital transformation initiatives.
• Partner with business stakeholders to identify and prioritize automation opportunities.

ERP & MRP Optimization

• Support continuous improvement of ERP and MRP business processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve data quality, reporting, and system utilization.
• Participate in testing and implementation of system enhancements and new functionality.
• Assist with troubleshooting and resolving process-related system issues.

AI & Business Technology

• Leverage tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Claude, and other AI technologies to improve business processes.
• Develop AI prompts, templates, and best practices for business users.
• Research emerging technologies and identify opportunities for implementation.
• Support AI adoption and user training initiatives across the department.

Data Analytics & Reporting

• Build and maintain reports, dashboards, and analytical tools.
• Analyze operational performance data and identify trends and opportunities.
• Support KPI reporting and process performance measurement.
• Develop business insights that support data-driven decision making.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• College diploma or university degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Data Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in business analysis, supply chain, operations, process improvement, or a similar role.
• Experience working with ERP systems and business data.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, data analysis, and reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Experience with Microsoft Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, or similar AI tools.
• Experience with Power BI, Power Query, or Power Automate.
• Experience with lean tools such as value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, one-piece flow, & Kanban.
• Project management skills to execute strategy CI, Lean plan utilizing and other methodologies.
• Basic knowledge of SQL, Python, or other data tools.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with NetSuite, Epicor or other ERP/MRP systems.

• Demand planning, purchasing, supply chain experience

Key Competencies

• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Analytical Thinking
• Process Mapping and Documentation
• Technical Curiosity
• Innovation and Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Adaptability and Learning Agility