Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist - DeKalb, IL

VetJobs

DeKalb (IL)

On-site

USD 71,000 - 100,000

Full time

12 days ago

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Annual bonus

Job summary

Ferrara in DeKalb, IL seeks a Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive production, warehousing, processing, and packaging improvements. You will collaborate with product development, marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations to meet project objectives and apply TPM and other CI tools.

This on-site role demands strong project management, data analysis, and the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, focusing on safety, quality, and cost goals.

Qualifications

Strong project management skills with excellent planning and organizational abilities.
Knowledgeable in TPM, Lean Six Sigma, DMAIC.
Able to work in a fast-paced, high-stress manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Identify, charter, and lead CI initiatives with updates to leadership and stakeholders.
Apply RCA, DMAIC, and other CI tools to drive sustainable improvements.
Collect and analyze data; implement changes with sponsor, owner, and operator involvement.
Follow up on savings, provide training, and ensure project continuity.
Participate in annual budget processes to assess run rates and scrap values.
Collaborate cross-functionally to bring new products to market and meet objectives.
Ensure factory safety, quality standards, and proficiency improvements.

Skills

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

DMAIC

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Team leadership

Coaching

Continuous improvement

OEE measurement

Education

Bachelor's degree

High School/GED

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Job Description

ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS

Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is "On-Site" at the location detailed in the job post.

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.

Want to make an impact?

What the Continuous Improvement Specialist does

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist drives production, warehouse, processing, and packaging activities, with a focus on CI Initiatives, to achieve the safety, quality, customer service, and cost goals. The individual needs to collaborate closely with the other departments to achieve project objectives aligned with the business needs. In this role, the individual will be responsible to drive Continuous Improvement tools across the business such as Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).

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).

Auto req ID

481309BR

Minimum Education Required

High School/GED

Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities

Skills that will make you successful

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