Improvement Lead

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Improvement Lead for a direct hire opportunity in Cayey, PR. This role is ideal for a bilingual English and Spanish continuous improvement professional who enjoys leading operational excellence initiatives in a manufacturing environment.

The Improvement Lead will drive waste reduction, productivity improvement, safety performance, quality discipline, and process standardization across manufacturing operations. This is a high-impact role with visibility across Operations, Quality, Maintenance, EHS, and Engineering teams.

This opportunity offers strong career growth potential within a global manufacturing environment, supportive leadership, cross-functional teamwork, and the chance to lead meaningful continuous improvement projects. The role also includes a 3-month training program in Europe, making it an excellent opportunity for a results-driven professional ready for an international challenge.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead waste reduction, loss elimination, and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes.
- Own and strengthen the Daily Management System, including KPIs, DDS meetings, visual management, and action tracking.
- Facilitate structured problem-solving activities using CI tools such as A3, Kaizen, RCA, 5S, and standard work.
- Improve labor utilization, process efficiency, safety, quality, and overall operational performance.
- Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, EHS, and Engineering teams to support change management and process improvements.
- Ensure compliance with ISO, OSHA, GMP, SOPs, and applicable manufacturing standards.

Compensation and Benefits

- Salary range: $75,000 to $90,000 per year.
- Direct hire opportunity.
- 401(k) match up to 3%.
- Weekly payroll.
- 15 days of vacation plus paid holidays.
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Employee stock savings plan.
- Educational assistance.
- Wellness programs and health fair.
- Employee recognition programs.
- Occupational health clinic.
- 3-month training program in Europe.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans

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For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AppleOne is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.

AppleOne participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Additional Skills

Required Qualifications and Skills

- Lead continuous improvement and operational excellence projects within manufacturing operations.
- Manage Daily Management System activities, KPI tracking, DDS meetings, and visual management processes.
- Drive 5S, waste reduction, process efficiency, labor utilization, and standardization initiatives.
- Coach frontline teams and cross-functional partners in CI tools, problem-solving, and operational discipline.

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
- Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
- 3 to 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, operations, industrial engineering, or manufacturing environments.
- Experience working in regulated manufacturing environments such as pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer goods, or similar industries.
- Strong knowledge of ISO, OSHA, and GMP requirements.
- Experience with MES, DDS, DMS systems, SOPs, 5S, visual management, A3, Kaizen, RCA, and related CI tools.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and deliver measurable results.
- Strong facilitation, coaching, communication, and change leadership skills.
- Full availability to complete a 3-month training program in Europe.

Preferred Qualifications

- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.
- Experience with Operational Excellence systems.
- Strong background supporting manufacturing transformation, process standardization, and sustainability of improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrated success influencing teams, improving performance metrics, and building a culture of continuous improvement.