Continuous Improvement Specialist - 1st Shift

Landmark Snacks Group; Beatrice (NE); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Landmark Snacks Group is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to support manufacturing excellence on the production floor. You will collect data, analyze trends, and drive initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.

Responsibilities include preparing reports, tracking KPIs such as OEE and downtime, and collaborating across teams to implement standard work and corrective actions. Candidates with Lean/Six Sigma exposure are preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• 0-2 years in manufacturing, operations, data analysis, or continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Observe production processes and collect data to identify improvements.
• Analyze downtime, quality, labor, and waste data to spot trends.
• Prepare daily/weekly/monthly performance reports and dashboards for leadership.
• Support Lean, 5S, Kaizen, and Root Cause Analysis projects.
• Collaborate with operators, supervisors, and maintenance to implement changes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Business/Manufacturing/Engineering Technology or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Power BI

Job description

Position SummaryThe Continuous Improvement Specialist supports operational excellence initiatives throughout the manufacturing facility by observing production processes, collecting and analyzing operational data, identifying improvement opportunities, and assisting with the implementation of process enhancements. This position spends a significant amount of time on the production floor working directly with operators, supervisors, quality, maintenance, and management teams to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency. The role also supports the development of reports, scorecards, and performance metrics used by plant leadership to identify gaps and drive continuous improvement initiatives.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesConduct routine observations of production processes, work methods, and facility operations to identify opportunities for improvement.Monitor and document existing procedures, workflows, and standard operating practices.Collect production, quality, downtime, labor, waste, and efficiency data from various sources.Analyze operational data to identify trends, bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.Assist with time studies, process mapping, workflow analysis, and root cause investigations.Support continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction, and waste elimination.Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports, scorecards, dashboards, and presentations for management.Track key performance indicators (KPIs) including production output, OEE, labor efficiency, scrap, downtime, and quality metrics.Verify data accuracy and ensure reporting consistency across departments.Work closely with production supervisors and operators to gather feedback on current processes and potential improvements.Assist in documenting new procedures and updating standard work instructions.Participate in problem-solving activities using continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and Root Cause Analysis.Follow all food safety, quality, regulatory, and workplace safety requirements.Support implementation and follow-up of corrective and preventive actions.Maintain a visible presence on the production floor and regularly engage with employees at all levels of the organization.Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.RequiredHigh School Diploma or GED required.Associate degree in Business, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Engineering Technology, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related field preferred.0-2 years of manufacturing, operations, production, data analysis, or continuous improvement experience.Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Ability to organize data and create reports for leadership review.Strong communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to work independently and in a team environment.Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.Ability to maintain confidentiality of business information.PreferredExperience in a food manufacturing environment.Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, or continuous improvement concepts.Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI.Experience creating dashboards, scorecards, or KPI reports.Physical RequirementsAbility to spend 60-80% of working time on the production floor.Ability to walk, stand, and observe manufacturing operations for extended periods.Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, humid, noisy, and refrigerated environments as required.Ability to climb stairs, bend, reach, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).Key CompetenciesContinuous Improvement MindsetData Collection & AnalysisAttention to DetailProcess ObservationRoot Cause AnalysisCommunication SkillsTeam CollaborationReport PreparationOrganizational SkillsProblem SolvingInitiative and Accountability