Continuous Improvement Specialist

Alcoa Australia; Indiana, Northern (PA, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation packages

HSA contributions

401(k) plan

Job summary

Alcoa Warrick Operations in Newburgh, IN is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to advance operational excellence on the plant floor. You will coach teams, lead Kaizen events and drive data-informed improvements across the Potroom and Carbon Plant, partnering with supervisors and leaders to sustain innovative changes.

The role emphasizes hands-on Lean execution, daily management, and the ability to connect field observations with data analysis while prioritizing safety and inclusivity on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, metallurgical, industrial, manufacturing or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in industrial/manufacturing with Lean.
• Six Sigma certification welcomed but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and facilitate problem-solving.
• Strong communication and change-management skills.
• Proficient with Excel and PowerPoint; Power BI is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Advance the Warrick Lean Plan through the Alcoa Business System using Lean methods to identify waste and improve execution.
• Coach supervisors, operators and cross-functional teams in daily management practices.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops and structured problem-solving sessions with frontline staff.
• Analyze operational data and observe plant processes to identify opportunities and translate insights into priorities.
• Lead change by communicating clearly, influencing stakeholders and sustaining improvements safely.
• Collaborate across Warrick Operations to support site-wide improvement priorities.

Skills

Lean thinking

Coaching

Problem solving

Communication

Change management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical/metallurgical/industrial/manufacturing or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Power BI

Job description

## Continuous Improvement SpecialistApply: United States, IN, Newburgh: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: November 21, 2026 (30+ days left to apply): Req-39268**Shape Your World**At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.**Shape your world by helping teams turn operational challenges into lasting capability.** As a Continuous Improvement Specialist at Warrick Operations, you will combine hands-on industrial experience, Lean thinking, data insight and strong people skills to support a major step-change effort. You will work closely with leaders, supervisors and employees on the plant floor, coaching teams to solve problems, strengthen daily management and sustain better ways of working.**ABOUT THE ROLE** You will help advance operational excellence across Warrick Operations, with primary focus on the Potroom and Carbon Plant while supporting improvement priorities across the site. This role is not simply about solving problems for others. You will coach, facilitate and build team capability so employees can identify issues, use structured methods and become increasingly autonomous in improving performance. Success requires the ability to connect what you observe in the field with process data, influence change and adapt quickly as business priorities evolve.**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES** · Advance the Warrick Lean Plan through the Alcoa Business System framework, using Lean and continuous improvement methods to identify waste, improve flow and strengthen execution.· Coach supervisors, operators and cross-functional teams in daily management practices, including shift handoffs, toolbox meetings and Daily Management System meetings.· Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops and structured problem-solving sessions that engage the people closest to the work, clarify root causes and build practical action plans.· Analyze operational data and observe processes on the plant floor to identify short- and long-term opportunities, translate insights into priorities and monitor progress.· Guide improvement initiatives using appropriate structured approaches, including process mapping, value-stream mapping, PDCA and DMAIC principles, while aligning work to site priorities.· Lead the people side of change by communicating clearly, influencing stakeholders, adapting to changing priorities and helping teams own and sustain improvements safely.**WHAT YOU BRING** · A bachelor’s degree in chemical, metallurgical, industrial, manufacturing or process engineering, or in business or a related field combined with relevant heavy-industry experience.· Three to five years of experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment, with practical exposure to Lean systems and continuous improvement. Six Sigma certification is welcomed but not required.· Demonstrated ability to coach and facilitate rather than simply provide the answer, helping operators and teams build confidence and ownership in problem solving.· Strong communication, collaboration and change-management skills, including the confidence to engage stakeholders at different levels and gain support for a shared direction.· Strong digital and analytical skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office tools such as Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Power BI, process software or coding is an advantage.· A safety-first, curious and adaptable approach, with the ability to spend meaningful time on the plant floor, compare observations with data and shift priorities in a fast-moving environment.**HOW YOU WILL WORK** You will be part of a small, collaborative continuous improvement team and will partner broadly across Warrick Operations. The strongest candidates will bring credibility in an industrial setting, curiosity about how work is performed, and the ability to help people move through change. You will take accountability, communicate clearly, prioritize and execute, and contribute to a safe, inclusive and collaborative environment.**WHAT WE OFFER** · Competitive compensation packages, including pay-for-performance variable pay as well as recognition and rewards programs· Flexible spending accounts and generous employer contribution to the HSA· 401(k), employer match up to 6%, additional employer retirement income contribution (no vesting period), and a nonqualified deferred compensation plan· Holiday Pay: 10 holidays and one flexible holiday of your choice.· Alcoa has been chosen as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023 by Newsweek**Ready to turn ideas into practical improvements and help teams build lasting capability? Join Alcoa and shape your world.**