Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist - Bellwood, IL

VetJobs; Bellwood (IL); On-site; USD 71,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferrara is seeking a continuous improvement-focused professional for a manufacturing role in Bellwood, IL. In this on-site position you will lead CI initiatives, analyze data, and collaborate across functions to optimize processes and meet project objectives.

You will drive lean methodologies, support safety and quality standards, and help train hourly staff while engaging with cross-functional teams to sustain savings and improvements.

Qualifications

• High School/GED required as a minimum education.
• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, engineering, or finance preferred.
• Two years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma background preferred (Green Belt helpful).
• Knowledge of SAP is desirable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Lead CI improvement initiatives and report progress to leadership.
• Apply RCA, DMAIC, and related tools to drive improvements.
• Collect and analyze data; implement changes and follow-up results.
• Maintain savings programs and training; ensure continuity of projects.
• Participate in annual budget process to assess run-rate efficiencies and scrap values.
• Collaborate with product development, marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations.
• Ensure safety, operational and quality standards.
• Improve hourly workforce proficiency; coach and develop staff.
• Escalate issues in a timely manner.
• Measure and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Skills

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering / engineering / finance

High School/GED

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

MS Office

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description

Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. Schedules may vary and are subject to change.

Ways you will make a difference

• Identifying, chartering, and leading CI improvement initiatives by providing project updates to the factory leadership team and project stakeholders highlighting the status, adherence to the project time plan, work accomplished, quick wins, points of escalation, elements of risk and the associated mitigation plans.
• Utilize continuous improvement tools and methodologies (RCA, DMAIC, Loss Tree Analysis, IPA, etc.) to drive sustainable operational improvements.
• Collect and analyze data and operating conditions; implement changes and follow‑up on results by involving key responsible people (i.e. sponsor, process owner, and operator).
• Carry out follow‑up programs to maintain the achieved savings, additional training, detect further savings opportunities, as well as ensure the overall continuity of projects.
• Participate in annual budget process to assess all run‑rate efficiencies, nominal speeds, and scrap values by component.
• Work collaboratively with product development, marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations to bring new products to market and meet the defined project objectives.
• Ensure that factory safety, operational and quality standards are adhered to.
• Facilitate improvements in hourly workforce proficiency, training, and development programs. Interacts with other department heads to exchange information impacting productivity performance.
• Escalate issues in a timely manner.
• Measure and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Minimum Education Required

High School/GED

Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities

• Strong project management skills, including excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Proficient in hi-speed packaging and process equipment application/design, process development
• Knowledgeable in continuous improvement techniques, including but not limited to TPM, Lean Six Sigma, DMAIC.
• Must be able to work in and add value to a fast paced, high stress manufacturing environment.
• People skills (coaching/counseling, motivation, performance, employee, relations, etc.) in hourly and staff team‑building skills, both inter and intra department.
• Creative, highly motivated, and self‑starting.
• Exceptional analytical, root‑cause‑analysis, and decision‑making abilities
• Effective written and verbal communication/presentation skills
• Computer literate, Microsoft Office, Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Physical Requirements - Ability to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop and reach.

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, preferred majors include industrial engineering, engineering, finance
• Two Years Of Experience In Manufacturing Preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma background. LSS Green Belt preferred but not required.
• Ability to work periodically on any shift, per individual project requirements.
• Knowledge of SAP.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) experience

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $71,100 - $99,540 annually.

City* Bellwood

State* Illinois

Job_Category Warehouse

Job Code Manufacturing Manufacturing

Affiliate Sponsor Ferrara

Salary Range $60,000-$75,000