Continuous Improvement Specialist

Element Resources; Forest City (MO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A major battery recycling company in Missouri is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to develop and implement plant-wide strategies focused on enhancing key performance indicators. Responsibilities include training staff on Lean principles, conducting time studies, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, along with experience in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies. This role offers a dynamic environment with a focus on operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Certification is a plus.
• High aptitude for manufacturing facility maintenance and engineering.
• Demonstrated logical and efficient troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop a Lean/Six Sigma strategy for the plant.
• Train and mentor the leadership team in Lean principles.
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish production standards.
• Participate in training programs on safety issues.
• Daily inspections to identify improvement opportunities.

Skills

Strong verbal/written communication skills

Problem-solving and decision-making skills

Ability to manage multiple projects

Lean Manufacturing experience

Proficient with MS Office Products

Experience with Six Sigma

Tools

AutoCAD

Allen Bradley controls

Job description

Overview

Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing a plant‑wide team system to develop a culture of improving key performance indicators such as manufacturing OEE, product quality, waste reduction, energy conservation, safety, and operating costs. The CI Specialist will utilize Lean and 5S methodologies, techniques, and tools to facilitate the transfer of such learning in the plant and develop and support continuous improvement activities consistent with business goals. Focus is on conducting these activities in conjunction with other organizational functional leaders and management to solicit support for implementing continuous improvements to all processes. Direction, guidance, and support will be given from the upper management team.

Responsibilities

• Develop a Lean/Six Sigma strategy for the plant to include specific goals, objectives, timetables, action plans, and key leader (hourly and salaried) enlistment strategies
• Train and mentor the leadership team and engineering staff in the principles, methods, and applications of the Lean process such that continuous improvement efforts are integrated into change management processes
• Coordinate plant level Lean/Six Sigma initiatives with Element Resource's continuous improvement initiatives to ensure optimum use of resources and minimize redundancies
• Daily plant walk-through and inspections to assist coordination with functional leaders, supervisors, and hourly associates in identifying improvement opportunities within the plant and develop justifications to substantiate predetermined potential cost savings to the plant.
• Conduct time and motion studies and/or utilize value stream mapping and process charting establish and validate production standards and to troubleshoot and streamline workflows
• Participate in training and development programs including all areas of environmental, health and safety issues, especially those dealing with proper handling of hazardous materials and hazardous waste
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions, work procedures, standard operating practices, and directions without immediate supervision
• Have independent problem-solving and decision‑making skills
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Strong verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Furnace experience a plus.
• Environmental Controls experience a plus.
• Allen Bradley controls experience a plus.
• High aptitude for manufacturing facility maintenance and engineering.
• Strong decision-making skills, ability to look at current and future needs of business directly related to capital spending.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to dynamic situations.
• Demonstrated ability in logical and efficient problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Proficient with MS Office Products (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook, and Word) and AutoCAD.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma Certification a plus.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.
• Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.).

Physical Requirements And Work Environment

• While much work will be performed in an office setting, significant time will be required in the manufacturing facility, where additional exposure is likely.
• Noise levels in the manufacturing facility are usually high.
• All employees are required to wear full-face respirators inside the manufacturing facility to protect from fumes, dust and airborne particles.
• Qualified candidates must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, and climb with minimal effort.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds.

EEO

Element Resources is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

About Our Company

Element Resources (elementrellc.com) is one of the largest battery recycling companies in the United States. Recycling recovers 99% of all lead received at our recycling centers. Every year we recycle millions of pounds of lead and recover and neutralize millions of gallons of sulfuric acid. Our robust, highly controlled recycling process is a critical part of our commitment to environmental sustainability.