Continuous Improvement Specialist

Actalent; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

PTO / Vacation or Sick Leave

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Job summary

Actalent in Columbus, OH seeks a Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive Lean, Six Sigma projects in a regulated manufacturing environment. You will lead cross-functional teams, analyze data, and implement sustainable process improvements on the production floor and in offices.

The role emphasizes identifying opportunities, delivering cost savings and productivity gains, and partnering with production, quality, engineering, and supply chain to achieve objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (Engineering/Industrial/Manufacturing/Operations/Supply Chain or related).
• Strong analytical skills to collect, interpret, and analyze data for decision-making.
• Experience leading projects and influencing cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Hands-on CI experience with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving.
• Proficiency with Excel and reporting tools for KPI tracking and presentations.
• Comfort in a highly regulated manufacturing environment focused on quality and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing, operational, and business processes across the site.
• Lead cross-functional teams in planning, coordination, and execution of CI initiatives.
• Facilitate Lean events, Kaizen activities, and structured problem-solving workshops.
• Analyze performance data and KPIs to identify trends and root causes.
• Develop and implement sustainable process solutions aligned with site objectives.
• Measure and communicate project outcomes, including cost savings and productivity gains.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions to address inefficiencies.
• Partner with production, quality, engineering, supply chain to achieve objectives.
• Support KPI development and monitoring of operational performance metrics.
• Promote continuous improvement practices across the organization.

Skills

Process improvement

Manufacturing

Operations

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Industrial Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations/Supply Chain/Business

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Reporting tools

Presentation software

Job description

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Description

The Continuous Improvement Specialist supports and drives continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced, highly regulated manufacturing environment. This role works across multiple departments to identify operational challenges, lead improvement projects, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall business performance. It is well-suited for an analytical and collaborative professional who enjoys applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and project management principles to deliver measurable results and foster a culture of operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing, operational, and business processes across the site.

• Lead cross-functional teams in the planning, coordination, and execution of continuous improvement initiatives.

• Facilitate process improvement activities such as Lean events, Kaizen activities, and structured problem-solving workshops.

• Analyze performance data and key metrics to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.

• Develop and implement sustainable process solutions that align with site objectives and broader business goals.

• Measure, track, and clearly communicate project outcomes, including cost savings, productivity gains, and operational improvements.

• Drive corrective and preventive actions to address process inefficiencies and support long-term, stable improvements.

• Partner closely with production, quality, engineering, supply chain, and other functional teams to achieve project objectives and ensure successful implementation.

• Support the development, refinement, and monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational performance metrics.

• Contribute to a culture of operational excellence by promoting continuous improvement methodologies and best practices throughout the organization.

• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and communicate improvement concepts to diverse audiences to build understanding and engagement.

• Work hands-on with processes and systems on the production floor and in office settings to validate changes and sustain improvements.

Essential Skills

• 1–3 years of experience in process improvement, manufacturing, operations, project management, or continuous improvement.

• Experience working within a manufacturing or industrial environment, preferably in a regulated setting.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical field.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, interpret, and analyze data to support decision-making.

• Proven ability to lead projects and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.

• Experience identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions.

• Hands-on experience with continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement methodologies.

• Ability to perform root cause failure analysis and apply structured problem-solving techniques.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, reporting tools, and presentation software.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Comfort working in a highly regulated manufacturing environment focused on quality and compliance.

• Experience with KPI development, process mapping, and operational performance metrics.

• Experience working with data analysis tools and techniques to support performance improvement.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical, medical device, food manufacturing, or other regulated industries.

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or willingness to obtain this certification.

• Experience as a Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Continuous Improvement Engineer, Operations Specialist, or Project Engineer seeking a role focused on operational excellence and Lean initiatives.

• Experience facilitating cross-functional workshops and communicating improvement concepts to diverse audiences.

• Interest in transitioning into a role focused on operational excellence, Lean initiatives, and business process improvement.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with production, quality, engineering, supply chain, and other technical teams.

• Strong interest in driving measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and overall business performance.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in the Greater Columbus Area within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. The role involves frequent interaction with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, engineering, and other technical teams on the production floor and in office settings. The work environment is fast-paced and strongly focused on operational excellence, Lean initiatives, and continuous improvement. You will work hands-on with processes, systems, and cross-functional stakeholders, and you will have the opportunity to make a direct and visible impact on efficiency, quality, and overall business performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $39.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.