Continuous Improvement Specialist

Scot Forge Company; Clinton (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental

Hearing, Life & Disability

401K with match

Profit Sharing

ESOP

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Scot Forge Company is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist in Clinton, WI to accelerate our Lean journey. You will partner with employee‑owners to solve problems, eliminate waste, and deliver measurable results through Kaizen events and structured problem‑solving.

The role emphasizes hands‑on facilitation, coaching, and deployment of Lean principles across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Equipment Reliability. A Lean/Six Sigma background and strong collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Lean certification and/or Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.
• 3‑7 years in manufacturing, operations, or related environment.
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship; pass a 90‑day drug test.

Responsibilities

• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
• Coach teams in structured problem‑solving, root cause analysis, and Lean methodologies.
• Deploy and sustain Lean principles, daily management systems, and standard work.
• Drive improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Equipment Reliability.
• Measure, track, and communicate improvement results while building organizational capability.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects.
• Lead teams through A3, 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and Pareto analyses.
• Support daily management systems via KPI development, visual management, tier meetings, and leader standard work.
• Conduct Gemba walks, value stream mapping, and data analysis to identify priorities.
• Train and coach employee‑owners on Lean principles and tools including 5S, TPM, SMED, Visual Factory.

Skills

Kaizen events

Lean methods

A3 method

8D problem solving

5 Whys

Fishbone analysis

Pareto analysis

Gemba walks

Value stream mapping

Data analysis

5S

TPM

SMED

Visual Factory

KPI development

Visual management

Leader standard work

Performance tracking

Facilitation

Coaching

Servant leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Active - Salary-1 full-time Professional Clinton, WI, US

Salary Range: $60,000.00 To $80,000.00 Annually

Build capability. Remove barriers. Drive improvement.

At Scot Forge, we manufacture high-performance forged components for some of the most demanding industries in the world. With more than 130 years of success, continued growth, and 100% employee ownership, we believe our people are the foundation of operational excellence.

We’re seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to help accelerate our Lean journey by partnering with employee-owners across the business to solve problems, eliminate waste, and improve performance. This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys working with people, facilitating change, and turning ideas into measurable results.

There are openings at each of our three manufacturing locations in Spring Grove, IL, Franklin Park, IL, and Clinton, WI.

Why This Role

Continuous improvement at Scot Forge is not a corporate initiative that’s managed from behind a desk. It’s a team effort built on collaboration, servant leadership, and employee ownership.

What You’ll Own

• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
• Coach teams in structured problem‑solving, root cause analysis, and Lean methodologies.
• Deploy and sustain Lean manufacturing principles, daily management systems, and standard work.
• Drive improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Equipment Reliability through waste elimination.
• Measure, track, and communicate improvement results while building organizational capability.

What You’ll Do

• Facilitate Kaizen events, rapid improvement workshops, and cross‑functional improvement projects.
• Lead teams through structured problem‑solving methods including A3, 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Analysis, and Pareto Analysis.
• Support daily management systems through KPI development, visual management, tier meetings, leader standard work, and performance tracking.
• Conduct Gemba walks, value stream mapping, and data analysis to identify priorities and implement sustainable improvements.
• Train and coach employee‑owners on Lean principles and operational excellence tools including 5S, TPM, SMED, and Visual Factory.

What We’re Looking For

• 3-7 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, quality, continuous improvement, or a related environment.
• Proven success participating in or facilitating Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, and structured problem‑solving activities; Lean certification and/or Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, facilitation, and presentation skills with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements.
• Servant leadership mindset with the ability to influence and build engagement across teams without direct authority.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship and able to pass a 90‑day head hair drug test.

Why Scot Forge

• 100% employee‑owned company with a long history of stability and growth
• Industry leader serving critical and demanding markets
• Opportunity to drive meaningful operational improvements across the business
• Collaborative culture that values servant leadership and continuous learning
• Nationally recognized commitment to safety and employee engagement
• A place where people build careers, not just resumes

Additional Information

• 100% Onsite
• Multiple Positions open at all three Scot Forge Manufacturing Plants - Spring Grove IL, Clinton WI, Franklin Park IL

Compensation

The estimated pay range is the lowest and highest amount we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We ultimately may pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. The actual base pay offered to a candidate will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant skills, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, seniority, geographic location and prevailing minimum wage, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Vision, Dental, Hearing, Life (Basic & AD&D), Disability (STD & LTD), 401K Plan with match, Profit Sharing, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Tax Savings (FSA & HSA), Vacation Time, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, or any other form of compensation for any particular employee remains in the Company’s sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Scot Forge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.