Continuous Improvement Specialist

Contec, Inc.; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Contec, Inc. is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to lead and support initiatives across safety, product quality, and operations.

The role emphasizes data collection, analytics, and coordinating improvement events to educate associates on lean concepts and waste reduction. The position collaborates with cross-functional teams, prepares status reports, and contributes to ISO 9001 quality guidelines.

Qualifications

• Lean concepts familiarity is required.
• Proficiency with MS Office and ability to learn the ERP system.
• Power BI familiarity is a plus.
• Associate degree or equivalent plus 6–12 months in a manufacturing environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
• Coordinate and educate associates through improvement events (Kaizen, TPM), tracking progress with status reports.
• Identify opportunities for improvement via feasibility studies and simple ROI/cost savings analyses.
• Manage equipment storage area, inventory systems, and disposition of aged equipment.
• Support annual production area assessments and lead Kaizen events based on results.
• Assist in revising procedures, work instructions, and forms; participate in ISO 9001 activities.

Skills

Lean concepts

Microsoft Office

Power BI

Statistical analysis

Team training

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP system

Job description

The Continuous Improvement Specialist leads and supports improvement initiatives throughout the organization. The position's efforts are primarily focused on the improvement of Contec's safety, product quality and operations processes. Studies are often required; data collection and analytics are common. This position will also be responsible for coordinating improvement events meant to educate and engage associates on concepts of continuous improvement and reduce various forms of waste.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Others may be assigned.

• Champions the "suggestion box" (Opportunity Tags) and "housekeeping" (TPM) programs. Facilitates reviews and provides monthly status reports.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement by conducting feasibility studies and simple statistical, return on investment, and cost savings analyses. Carries out and/or oversees work to implement changes and provide timely resolution to suggestions.
• Manages the organization and general appearance of the equipment storage area and its inventory system/spreadsheet. Oversees the inventory review process and the disposition of aged equipment approved for sale/scrap.
• Supports annual assessments of production areas and leads Kaizen events based on the results of the assessments.
• Identifies and works toward eliminating the 7 Forms of Waste.
• Conducts hands‑on, team‑based, training with associates throughout the organization that encourages a culture of continuous improvement while also accomplishing specific improvement goals.
• Provides leadership and support to special projects as assigned. These projects can be related to groups throughout the organization (Warehouse, Production, Quality, Safety, Planning, Research and Development, and more).
• Supports and facilitates problem‑solving meetings with cross‑functional participants. Prepares written reports and status updates for review.
• Supports the revising and/or development of new procedures, work instructions, and forms.
• Participates and works within ISO 9001 quality standards guidelines in accordance with Contec's quality goals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No direct supervisory responsibilities. This position, however, provides indirect leadership, instruction, and support to associates engaged in training events, change implementation, and special projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Associate degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two‑year college or technical school; six (6) months to one (1) year of related experience and/or training in a manufacturing environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated familiarity with Lean concepts and philosophies is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the ability to learn and become proficient in working with Contec's Enterprise Resource Planning system is required. Proficiency in Microsoft Power BI is a plus.
• Mechanical and electrical aptitude is a plus.

COMPETENCIES

To be successful in their essential duties, the individual is also expected to have general knowledge of and stay current in developments in the following areas:

Innovation & Creativity: Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Piloting new ideas and concepts; learning and implementing when successful. Not afraid of asking questions and exploring possibilities with associates. Drawing on life and professional experience to creatively "reimagine" the way we do things.

Problem Solving: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Able to use common sense and experience to compare alternate solutions or approaches to a problem. Uses various tools (software, other associates, reference materials) to come up with feasible solutions.

Communicates & Listen Effectively: Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication process.

Process Management: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Action‑Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

Approachability: Is easy to approach and makes an extra effort to put others at ease. Can be warm, pleasant, and gracious. Shows respect, empathy and consideration.

Collaboration: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.

Supports Core Values: Able to demonstrate support and adherence to Contec's core values: respect for others, doing "whatever it takes" within Contec's core values, vision, and strategic direction, exhibiting integrity, having a tolerance for risk, understanding there is life outside of work, enjoying the ride.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or associates of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as algebra, basic geometry, and statistics. Ability to apply concepts such as dimensioning, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate remains in a stationary position approximately fifty percent (50%) of the time and moves about to access equipment and files, both in the office and on the production floor, approximately fifty percent (50%) of the time. The associate frequently visits the production floor and utilities spaces to observe equipment and operations, while regularly positioning themselves to observe or investigate equipment from different perspectives and occasionally ascending/descending a ladder to perform this duty. Observation of the equipment requires vision abilities including close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is frequently required to talk or hear. The associate must rarely lift and/or move up to twenty‑five (25) pounds of equipment or supplies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate regularly performs their job in an air‑conditioned, open office setting from an individual cubicle space where the noise level is moderate. Occasionally, the associate will be required to work in a manufacturing environment where the noise level is loud, and PPE will be required (safety eye protection, steel‑toe footwear, and hair covers). While in the manufacturing environment, the associate will occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts, electrical hazards, liquid chemicals, and fumes from the manufacturing process.

DISCLAIMER

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to the job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.