Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Description

The Continuous Improvement Specialist supports and drives continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced regulated manufacturing environment. This role works across multiple departments to identify operational challenges, lead improvement projects, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall business performance. The position is ideal for an analytical and collaborative professional who is passionate about applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and project management principles to achieve measurable results in a highly regulated setting.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing, operational, and business processes across the site.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the planning and execution of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate process improvement activities such as Lean events, and structured problem-solving workshops.
• Analyze performance data and key metrics to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement sustainable process solutions that align with site objectives and broader business goals.
• Measure, track, and clearly communicate project outcomes, including cost savings, productivity gains, and operational improvements.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions to address process inefficiencies and support long-term, stable improvements.
• Partner closely with production, quality, engineering, supply chain, and other functional teams to achieve project objectives and ensure successful implementation.
• Support the development and refinement of key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational performance metrics to monitor ongoing performance.
• Contribute to a culture of operational excellence by promoting continuous improvement methodologies and best practices throughout the organization.

Essential Skills

• 1–3 years of experience in process improvement, manufacturing, operations, project management, or continuous improvement.
• Experience working within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical field.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, interpret, and analyze data to support decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead projects and influence cross-functional teams.
• Experience identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, reporting tools, and presentation software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement methodologies.
• Ability to perform root cause failure analysis and apply structured problem-solving techniques.
• Comfort working in a highly regulated manufacturing environment focused on quality and compliance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical, medical device, food manufacturing, or other regulated industries.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or willingness to obtain this certification.
• Experience with KPI development, process mapping, and operational performance metrics.
• Background as a Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Continuous Improvement Engineer, Operations Specialist, or Project Engineer seeking a role focused on operational excellence and Lean initiatives.
• Experience working with data analysis tools and techniques to support performance improvement.
• Ability to facilitate cross-functional workshops and communicate improvement concepts to diverse audiences.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in the Greater Columbus Area within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. The role involves regular interaction with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, engineering, and other technical teams on the production floor and in office settings. The work environment is fast-paced and focused on operational excellence, Lean initiatives, and continuous improvement. The position offers the opportunity to make a direct and visible impact on efficiency, quality, and overall business performance through hands-on engagement with processes, systems, and cross-functional stakeholders.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $39.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.