Continuous Improvement Specialist I

Lear Corporation; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Lear Corporation in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking a Digitalization & Continuous Improvement Specialist to join the CI team. You will apply Lean, Kaizen and digital tools to reduce manual processes, track real-time data and support KPIs such as Safety, OEE, and productivity.

You will digitalize and standardize CI processes, create Foundry/ Ignition dashboards, train end-users, and collaborate with IT and EHS to deploy solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 3 years in manufacturing or plant operations environment.
• Experience deploying Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence concepts.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to explain data clearly to all levels.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Teams, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Facilitate plant-wide CI initiatives and kaizen events.
• Create benchmark digital solutions and dashboards.
• Champion CI Suggestion System and action follow-ups.
• Identify opportunities to digitalize manual processes.
• Train end-users in CI tools and digital workflows.
• Support rapid deployment of digital tools in startup environments.
• Develop Visual Management standards and participate in GEMBA walks.
• Collaborate with EHS on Ergonomics assessments.

Skills

Deployment of CI concepts

Manufacturing/plant operations

Attention to detail

Cross-functional communication

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, related field or equivalent experience

Tools

Power BI

Palantir Foundry

SQL

Ignition

SAP

Job description

Auburn Hills, MI, US, 48326 Flint, MI, US, 48505

Country/Region: United States

Job Function: Logistics

Lear For You

We work hard for the people who work for us. We champion our teams and foster collaboration, inclusion, respect and excellence. Because we want to be more for you.

A path to a better career. A better future.

Our teams have invented groundbreaking technologies, manufactured millions of products and earned a long list of awards. Year after year, we’re named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies.

They’re the secret to our success—empowered, inventive and inclusive. Passionate about their craft. Driven to succeed. Because we win together.

Are you ready for a better career? A better future?

Job Description

Auburn Hills, MI

As a member of the CI team, the “Digitalization & Continuous Improvement Specialist” will be responsible for

• Apply a combination of Continuous Improvement methods (Lean, Kaizen, structured problem solving) with digital tools to provide innovative solutions which reduce manual processes, enable real‑time data tracking and support the achievement of key performance indicators such as Safety, FTT, IPPM, OEE, JPH, and OIP
• Digitalize, standardize, and sustain Continuous Improvement processes, and performance metrics to improve visibility, and execution across the plant to support data-driven decision-making and accountability

The Role:

Your work will include, but not be limited to:

• Facilitate and support plant‑wide CI initiatives, and kaizens improvement events to achieve plant OIP goal
• Create benchmark digital solutions such as Foundry pipelines, Ignition dashboards, and kaizen trackers
• Champion the plant’s Continuous Improvement Suggestion System and action plan follow-ups
• Identify opportunities for conversion of manual plant processes into streamlined digital workflows
• Develop materials for and train/support end‑users in the use of CI and digital tools
• Build our internal capabilities and expertise in foundational CI Tools, including: Value Stream Mapping, 5S, 7 Wastes, Lean Factory Simulation, Poka Yoke, Andon System, TPM, Skill Matrix, and Daily Team Meetings
• Prepare to be the plant’s subject matter expert on artificial intelligence applications and cascade knowledge
• Prepare performance metrics and reports (safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity) for plant leadership
• Track improvement action savings, and status while maintaining project documentation and audit readiness
• Work with plant operations and IT teams to ensure rapid deployment of digital tools in startup environment
• Participate in definition and maintenance of initial Visual Management standards for plant during launch
• Join Plant Operations Tour and GEMBA walks while supporting updates to Visual/Smart Factory standards
• Collaborate with EHS department on completion of Humantech Ergonomics assessments and improvements
• Foster internal talent development programs through coaching of High-Performance Work Teams
• Assist industrial engineering department with line re-balancing projects and standard work updates
• Support routine operations meetings, including Fast Response, Critical 8D, Orientations, and Town Halls

Qualifications

Your Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, related field or equivalent experience
• Experience with deployment of Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence concepts
• Minimum 3 years in manufacturing or plant operations environment/industry
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy of data and able to clearly explain to all organizational levels
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with all teams in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications: Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, etc.

Bonus If You Have:

• Experience with Power BI, Palantir Foundry, SQL, SAP, Ignition or any Artificial Intelligence applications
• Experience with implementing Industry 4.0 solutions, such as digitalizing manual workflows
• Exposure to Lean Six Sigma analytic methodologies and tools

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lear Corporation is committed to fair, merit‑based employment practices and equal opportunity.

We provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is located.