Continuous Improvement Specialist - Erlanger, KY

ADM; Erlanger (KY); On-site; USD 59,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with matching

Paid time off

Adoption assistance

Career development

Job summary

ADM is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist on the Operations team in Kentucky to lead and support process improvements that boost efficiency, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. You will apply Performance Excellence methodologies, drive stakeholder alignment, and influence change without formal power.

Responsibilities include Kaizen events, data analysis, KPI tracking, and standard work development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience
• 3+ years leading process improvement initiatives in operations, manufacturing, or quality environments
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel and Power BI
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with Performance Excellence or Lean/Six Sigma frameworks
• Experience supporting and leading change management initiatives

Responsibilities

• Identify process inefficiencies and opportunities with cross-functional teams
• Analyze data to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Lead CI projects focusing on cost, productivity, quality, and safety
• Facilitate Kaizen events, root cause analyses, and problem-solving sessions
• Collaborate with CI teams to align with org priorities
• Promote engagement and sustainment of improvements across levels
• Develop and implement standard work procedures
• Track KPIs and report progress toward goals
• Encourage employee engagement and idea generation
• Communicate project activities and metrics to stakeholders
• Engage in safety, environmental, quality, and production processes to ensure policy compliance
• Support standardized work, visual management, and performance measurement systems

Skills

Process improvement

Data analysis

Project leadership

Change management

Lean Six Sigma

Kaizen

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

This is a salaried, non-exempt level position.

Position Summary

As a Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist on the Operations team, you will lead and support process improvement initiatives across the organization to enhance operational efficiency, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. You will help drive a culture of continuous improvement by applying Performance Excellence or continuous improvement methodologies. In this role, you will also support change management efforts by effectively engaging stakeholders, building alignment, and influencing change without relying on formal position power, using collaboration, communication and trust to encourage adoption and sustain improvements.

Position Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify process inefficiencies and improvement opportunities
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement
• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects focused on cost reduction, productivity, quality, and safety enhancements
• Facilitate Kaizen events, root cause analyses, and problem-solving workshops
• Partner with CI teams to ensure project alignment with organizational improvement priorities
• Support a culture of continuous improvement by promoting engagement, accountability, and sustainment at all levels of the organization
• Develop and implement standard work procedures and best practices
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on progress toward improvement goals
• Promote continuous improvement through employee engagement, coaching, and idea generation
• Communicate project activities and key metrics in writing and verbally to managers and other stakeholders
• Proactively participate in safety, environmental, quality, and production processes to ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures
• Support the implementation of standardized work, visual management, and performance measurement systems

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading process improvement initiatives in operations, manufacturing, or quality-related environments
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel and Power BI
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities
• Proficient in mentoring, training, and development of colleagues
• Familiarity with Performance Excellence or similar continuous improvement frameworks (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
• Demonstrated history of successfully supporting and leading change management initiatives

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing floor settings
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds; employees are encouraged to request assistance for objects exceeding this weight
• Ability to move about a work site, including stooping, bending, kneeling, or squatting as needed during the course of a workday
• May require periods of prolonged sitting or standing
• Regular use of a computer

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

$59,000.00 - $108,000.00

Benefits And Perks

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
• Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).

Additional Benefits Include

• Paid time off including paid holidays.
• Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.

IncludingYou

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.

We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.