Continuous Improvement Specialist

Tenneco; Marshall (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenneco Inc. in Michigan is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive Lean initiatives and operational excellence across the site.

You will identify and propagate best practices, reducing waste and enhancing productivity through structured project work. The role emphasizes mentoring frontline teams, collaborating with site leaders, and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement with strong problem-solving and project-management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• 3–5 years of experience in operations.
• Experience guiding teams in continuous improvement projects.
• Experience designing and leading continuous improvement programs.
• Strong understanding of cycle time reduction, waste reduction, yield improvement, productivity and throughput.
• Hands-on with Operational Excellence methods (LEAN, TPM, Six Sigma, TQM).
• Proven leadership to coach teams to deliver chartered objectives.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks.
• Advanced problem solving and numerical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Drive development and implementation of Continuous Improvement projects aligned with strategic plans.
• Assist design of new procedures and methods for operational processes.
• Work with site leaders to identify, modify, and sustain changes, reducing waste and inefficiencies.
• Mentor/train employees to realize benefits and act as a change agent.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and prioritize them with the focused factory team.
• Lead projects from idea generation to strategic execution.
• Provide strategic insight and evaluate the organization’s progression.
• Mentor Continuous Improvement leadership, supervisory staff and frontline personnel.
• Contribute to developing and influencing strategy, planning, and execution as needed.

Skills

Lean methods

Six Sigma

Project management

Leadership

Microsoft Office

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Description

This position will drive the execution of the site’s continuous improvement initiatives designed to eliminate non-value added activities while improving operational excellence. Assists in the identification and proliferation of manufacturing best practices. Will be responsible for the support of an operational excellence culture throughout all plant operations with emphasis on sustainable development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive the development and implementation of Continuous Improvement projects consistent with and in support of the strategic plan and business operating plan.
• Assist in designing new procedures and methods for operational processes.
• By utilizing projects charters with deliverables, will work with site leaders to identify, modify, and sustain desired changes including reducing waste and improving inefficiencies.
• Mentor/train employees to realize benefits from all continuous improvement initiatives and act as a change agent to the site/organization.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and prioritize improvement opportunities with the focused factory team.
• Lead projects and initiatives from idea generation to strategic execution. Provide strategic insight and evaluation of the organizations progression.
• Act as a mentor for the Continuous Improvement leadership, supervisory staff and front line personnel.
• Participate in developing and influencing strategy, planning, and execution depending on project or initiative needs.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Minimum3 to 5 years experience in operations.
• Experience guiding team progress for continuous improvement projects/programs.
• Experience designing, implementing and leading continuous improvement projects/programs.
• Must have thorough understanding of cycle time reduction, waste reduction, yield improvement, productivity and throughputimprovement.
• Hands-on experience using Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement methods (LEAN, TPM, Six Sigma, TQM).
• Proven leadership skills to coach and lead teams to fully deliver chartered objectives and projects.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Applications: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Be a self-starter with excellent organizational skills in planning and organizing to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
• Advanced problem solving capabilities, attention to detail and numerical aptitude.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.