Continuous Improvement Specialist

Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact - on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we're pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world-leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping.

As we push forward, the innovative, open spirit that fuels our 140-year-old start-up culture and rapid growth also drives our personal growth. So, as we shape a more resourceful, less wasteful world, we build our careers too.

About the job

Reporting to the Operations Development Manager, the Continuous Improvement Specialist will be at the forefront of lean improvements connecting to strategy and executing through our Alfa Laval Performance System (ALPS) and transformational projects in the US Sales Company. Your role involves identifying opportunities for transformation, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

You will be scoping and leading the implementation of lean manufacturing transformation projects and initiatives within the Sales Company, including Service Centers, Field Service, Customer Experience, and Sales. You will be driving the ALPS/LSS culture, relentlessly pursuing operational excellence.

You will act as first line support for ALPS within the US Service Centers, Field Service, and/or Sales Teams, driving new initiatives, while nurturing an environment enabling us to follow our four priorities: Sustainability, Quality, Delivery and Cost.

This is truly a collaborative hybrid role located in Houston, TX, Greenwood, IN, or Richmond, VA.

There are multiple openings for this role.

As a part of the team, you will:

• Develop and implement continuous improvement strategies aligned with organizational goals
• Identify key areas for improvement and set priorities for initiatives
• Identify, create, and sustain standard processes throughout the organization
• Conduct thorough analyses of current processes to identify inefficiencies and root causes using data-driven approaches
• Implement Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and improve quality
• Support cross-functional teams in executing Lean and Six Sigma projects and provide guidance on tools and techniques
• Lead & Facilitate Kaizen events
• Provide awareness through teaching and mentorship of Alfa Laval Performance System and Lean Six Sigma principles, methodologies, and tools to support achievement of business objectives
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of improvement initiatives using KPIs
• Lead and manage improvement projects from inception to completion
• Develop project plans, set timelines, and allocate resources effectively

We care about diversity, inclusion and equity in our recruitment processes. We also believe behavioral traits can provide important insights into a candidate's fit to a role. To help us achieve this we apply Pymetrics assessments, and upon application you will be invited to play the assessment games.

What you know:

You have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or equivalent professional experience in a related field, and:

• Minimum of 5 years relevant and progressive technical experience in a service or manufacturing environment will be considered
• Strong knowledge of Lean Six Sigma or other improvement methodologies
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in continuous improvement roles applying Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Ability to teach LSS tools and methodologies (such as: VSM, 5S, 5Why, TPM, Standard Work, Process Mapping, Kanban, Waste & Waste Reduction, Visual Management, Lean line Manufacturing, DMAIC)
• Proven experience as Kaizen Facilitator
• Proficiency in project management software and tools (e.g., VISIO, MS Project)
• Experience in driving service or manufacturing transformation projects as a Project Lead
• Ability to travel up to 40% across the U.S.

What's in it for you?

Alfa Laval offers a competitive salary and full benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life, 401(k) plan, and more. At Alfa Laval, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors to determine your total compensation package. We rely on market indicators to determine compensation and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to get it right. These considerations can cause your compensation to vary and will also be dependent on your location. The base salary for this role is typically $87,000 - $110,000 annually.

Alfa Laval is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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