Continuous Improvement Specialist

DeKalb Health; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Stuller, Lafayette, LA, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive lean initiatives across manufacturing operations. You will design and deliver training, coach leaders, and embed lean practices into daily routines and performance metrics.

The role emphasizes facilitation, collaboration with frontline teams, and sustained improvements through structured events and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field, or 5+ years in continuous improvement.
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills, with experience leading training workshops.
• Solid knowledge of lean tools: 5S, value stream mapping, DMAIC Thinking, PDCA, standard work, visual management.

Responsibilities

• Lead lean initiatives to level workflows, reduce waste, improve safety and efficiency.
• Facilitate value stream mapping and kaizen events.
• Lead improvement events (5S, department moves, etc.).
• Embed lean principles into daily routines, standard work and KPIs.
• Track improvement progress against KPIs.
• Develop and deliver lean training programs.
• Coach leaders on lean leadership and visual management.
• Support upskilling workshops to sustain Kaizen improvements.
• Create accessible learning materials tailored to audiences.

Skills

Lean management

Continuous improvement

Facilitation

Coaching

Value stream mapping

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Training delivery

5S

DMAIC thinking

PDCA

Standard work

Visual management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field

Tools

5S

Value stream mapping

DMAIC Thinking

PDCA

Standard work

Visual management

Job description

• Location 302 Rue Louis XIV,Lafayette, LA, 70508,United States
• Job Category Manufacturing, Full-Time
• Travel 10%
• Manage Others No

Join our Manufacturing team — production, assembly, operation of equipment, and more — and help us deliver an unmatched selection of products made with quality materials and workmanship.

The Continuous Improvement Specialist will play a key role in driving a culture of operational excellence through lean management principles. This role combines hands‑on process improvement execution, employee and management coaching, and the development and delivery of training programs to build organizational capabilities. The Specialist will work closely with operational leaders, cross‑functional teams, and frontline employees to identify opportunities, design processes, implement improvements, and ensure sustained results through standards, layered process audits, effective training, and daily management practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support lean initiatives to level workflows, improve quality, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and strengthen safe work practices.
• Facilitate value stream mapping, kaizen events, root cause analysis, and problem‑solving workshops.
• Lead, support, and participate in improvement events (i.e. 5S, departments, moves, etc.).
• Partner with operational leaders and frontline teams to embed lean principles into daily and hourly routines, standard work, and performance metrics.
• Track and report improvement progress, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by engaging employees at all levels in identifying and solving problems, through structured change events.
• Lead and support lean initiatives to level workflows, improve quality, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and strengthen safe work practices.
• Assess organizational training needs related to lean management, process adherence, and standard work.
• Develop, deliver, and continuously update training programs related to lean concepts, improvement tools, operational leadership development, and daily management routines.
• Coach leaders and teams on lean leadership behaviors, hourly and visual management, and problem‑solving techniques.
• Support and participate in workshops for upskilling initiatives to ensure employee roles accurately match and sustain Kaizen improvements.
• Create accessible learning materials (manuals, job aids, e‑learning, simulations) tailored to different audiences

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field. Or, 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, lean management, or operational excellence.
• Proven ability to understand, design, and deliver process improvement solutions.
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills, with experience leading training workshops and engaging cross‑functional teams.
• Solid knowledge of lean tools (5S, value stream mapping, DMAIC Thinking, PDCA, standard work, visual management).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to influence without authority.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and project planning capabilities.
• Change Leadership: Ability to inspire and guide individuals and teams through change.
• Training Expertise: Skilled at creating engaging, practical learning experiences.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across functions and levels to achieve results.
• Sustainability Mindset: Ensures improvements are standardized and embedded into daily routines.
• Continuous Learning: Remains current on lean and industry best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in Lean or Six Sigma (Green Belt or above)

Summary

Stuller is the jewelry industry's largest manufacturer, supplier, and technology developer in North America. With a customer base spanning the globe, we serve jewelry professionals through an unmatched selection of quality products, expert and friendly service, and the fastest delivery. We are powered by our employees, their creativity, their energy, and their commitment to creating exceptional experiences.

We are committed to our employees' comprehensive health and happiness. Our award‑winning wellness initiatives and benefits help Stuller to stand out as one of the top employers in Louisiana. Learn more about our benefits by clicking here .

Additional Information