Continuous Improvement Specialist

JD Ross Energy; Oshkosh (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

JD Ross Energy in Wisconsin seeks a Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive operational excellence across production, quality, safety, and processes. You will partner with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, run Kaizen events, value stream maps, and implement lean initiatives to reduce waste and boost performance.

The ideal candidate has hands-on problem solving, strong analytics, and experience with ERP or manufacturing systems, plus proficiency in

Qualifications

• Experience in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, operational excellence, or a related manufacturing function within heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with operations and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
• Experience working within a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and optimise workflow.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and operational excellence programmes.
• Analyse production and operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Partner with production, quality, engineering, maintenance, and leadership teams on process improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, and best practices.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping exercises, and process improvement workshops.
• Track and report KPIs related to productivity, quality, safety, and cost.
• Help foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Operational Excellence

Industrial Engineering

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Cross-functional Collaboration

Manufacturing Environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

The Opportunity

An established manufacturing organisation in Wisconsin is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to help drive operational excellence across production, quality, safety, and business processes. This role will partner with manufacturing leadership and cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, implement lean initiatives, and support a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on problem solver who enjoys analysing processes, leading change, and delivering measurable business results.

What You'll Do

• Facilitate continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and optimise workflow
• Support Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and operational excellence programmes
• Analyse production and operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Partner with production, quality, engineering, maintenance, and leadership teams on process improvement projects
• Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, and best practices
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping exercises, and process improvement workshops
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to productivity, quality, safety, and cost
• Help foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement

What You'll Bring

• Experience in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, operational excellence, industrial engineering, or a related manufacturing function within in heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Experience identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvementsExcellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with operations and cross-functional teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis tools
• Experience working within a manufacturing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• Lean Manufacturing certification and/or Six Sigma certification
• Experience leading Kaizen events and value stream mapping initiatives
• Knowledge of TPM, 5S, SMED, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience with ERP or manufacturing systems

Why Join

• Opportunity to make a visible impact on manufacturing performance
• High level of exposure to plant leadership and cross-functional teams
• Lead meaningful operational improvement projects from identification through implementation
• Join a company committed to operational excellence and employee development
• Strong opportunities for professional growth and advancement