Continuous Improvement Specialist

HireTalent - Staffing & Recruiting Firm; Fairfield (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

HireTalent - Staffing & Recruiting Firm is seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Leader to drive operational excellence in a high-volume manufacturing environment. Lead end-to-end CI initiatives, champion lean practices, and advance smart factory deployments across the plant.

The role focuses on productivity enhancement, value stream mapping, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver measurable results and sustain manufacturing excellence programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with Lean Manufacturing tools including 5S, Value Stream Mapping, SMED, Visual Management.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and project management practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the site's continuous improvement strategy across planning, production, and delivery.
• Drive plant-wide CI initiatives using lean and operational excellence methodologies.
• Facilitate Kaizen events to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Support smart factory initiatives and digital manufacturing solutions.
• Develop and manage annual productivity improvement plans and ensure achievement of direct labour productivity targets.
• Monitor, analyse, and report productivity performance using standard tools.
• Support manufacturing excellence programmes across the plant.
• Promote skill development and CI capabilities across levels.
• Lead Value Stream Mapping (current/future state) to improve lead times.
• Drive cross-functional action plans for process optimisation and waste reduction.
• Champion best practices in visual management, short interval management, material flow, and production standards.
• Influence stakeholders across departments to sustain improvements.

Skills

5S

Value Stream Mapping

SMED

Visual Management

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations/Engineering/Supply Chain

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Leader to drive operational excellence and manufacturing performance within a high-volume production environment. The successful candidate will lead continuous improvement initiatives across end-to-end operations, champion lean manufacturing practices, support smart factory deployment efforts, and drive productivity improvements throughout the plant.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the site's continuous improvement strategy across operational processes from planning and production through delivery.
• Drive plant-wide continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing and operational excellence methodologies.
• Facilitate, coach, and lead Kaizen events to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Serve as a key point of contact for smart factory initiatives and support the implementation of digital manufacturing solutions.
• Develop and manage annual productivity improvement plans and ensure achievement of direct labour productivity targets.
• Monitor, analyse, and report productivity performance using standard tools and processes.
• Support the sustainability and continuous development of manufacturing excellence programmes across the plant.
• Promote skill development and continuous improvement capabilities at all organisational levels.
• Lead Value Stream Mapping activities, including current-state and future-state analysis, to improve product lead times.
• Drive cross-functional action plans focused on process optimisation, waste reduction, and operational performance.
• Champion best practices related to visual management, short interval management, material flow, and production system standards.
• Influence stakeholders across departments to support and sustain operational improvements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with Lean Manufacturing tools, including:

5S

Value Stream Mapping (VSM)

SMED

Visual Management

• Minimum of 4 years of experience working within a production or manufacturing system environment.
• Strong background in continuous improvement, operational excellence, and productivity enhancement initiatives.
• Experience leading cost-saving and efficiency improvement projects within a manufacturing facility.
• Knowledge of industrial mechanical and/or electrical assembly operations.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and project management practices.
• Demonstrated ability to develop action plans, establish priorities, and deliver measurable results.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills with the ability to drive change in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading change management initiatives and influencing cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting smart factory or manufacturing digitalisation initiatives.
• Previous experience leading plant-wide operational excellence or manufacturing transformation programmes.