Process / Continuous Improvement Engineer

Talent Wave Associates; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Wave Associates seeks a passionate Continuous Improvement leader to drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives across a growing food manufacturing operation. You will lead, coach, and deploy structured problem-solving methods to improve safety, quality, throughput, yield, and OEE while enabling cost reductions.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decision making, and skills development for plant teams, with a focus on scalable processes and equation-based improvements in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 5 years of experience in manufacturing continuous improvement or operations leadership, preferably in food industry.
• Proven track record applying Lean and Six Sigma tools to achieve measurable results (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred).
• Hands-on experience in high-growth or scaling manufacturing operations, ideally with new equipment commissioning or capacity expansion.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate plant-wide Continuous Improvement initiatives aligned with business goals for Safety, Quality, Reliability, Delivery, and Cost.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma (DMAIC), TPM, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S/Visual Management, Standard Work, SMED, and root-cause analysis tools to identify and eliminate waste.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, and leadership to develop and execute CI roadmaps, project charters, and improvement plans.
• Analyze production data and KPIs to prioritize opportunities and track results.
• Coach, train, and mentor operators, supervisors, and cross-functional teams to build CI capability and ownership at all levels.
• Lead structured problem-solving events and sustain gains through control plans and standard work.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and change management in a high-growth, PE-backed environment.
• Participate in daily/weekly performance reviews to ensure actions deliver productivity, efficiency, and cost improvements.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

DMAIC

Data analysis

Coaching & mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

5S/Visual Management

SMED

Value Stream Mapping

Job description

Are you ready to drive operational excellence in a high-growth environment?

Our client is seeking a dedicated professional to join their rapidly expanding food manufacturing organization. This role focuses on implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance safety, quality, throughput, yield, OEE, and cost efficiency. Your expertise will support the successful ramp-up of new equipment and capacity, building a sustainable culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate plant-wide Continuous Improvement initiatives aligned with business goals for Safety, Quality, Reliability, Delivery, and Cost.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma (DMAIC), TPM, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S/Visual Management, Standard Work, SMED, and root-cause analysis tools to identify and eliminate waste.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, and leadership to develop and execute CI roadmaps, project charters, and improvement plans.
• Analyze production data and KPIs to prioritize opportunities and track results.
• Coach, train, and mentor operators, supervisors, and cross-functional teams to build CI capability and ownership at all levels.
• Lead structured problem-solving events and sustain gains through control plans and standard work.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and change management in a high-growth, PE-backed environment.
• Participate in daily/weekly performance reviews to ensure actions deliver productivity, efficiency, and cost improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 5 years of experience in manufacturing continuous improvement or operations leadership, preferably in the food industry.
• Proven track record in applying Lean and Six Sigma tools to achieve measurable results (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred).
• Hands-on experience in high-growth or scaling manufacturing operations, ideally with new equipment commissioning or capacity expansion.
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to translate insights into actionable plans.
• Excellent coaching, facilitation, communication, and change-management skills.
• Experience in USDA-regulated or food safety-focused environments is a plus.
• Bias for action, results orientation, and comfort operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial PE-backed setting.

We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive, people-first recruiting experience.