Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Description

The Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for driving efficiency, quality, and productivity across operations. This role leads Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, coaches' teams at all levels, and supports the development of a culture of problem-solving and operational excellence. By analyzing processes, reducing waste, and driving measurable improvements, the Continuous Improvement Specialist directly impacts performance, throughput, and customer satisfaction. This role requires a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, Lean principles, and change management.

Accountabilities

• Lead CI projects that streamline manufacturing processes and eliminate waste.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and training to build team engagement in CI.
• Analyze operations to uncover inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and capacity constraints.
• Partner with leadership to plan, prioritize, and execute improvement initiatives.
• Apply Lean tools (5S, Kanban, VSM) and Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC) to drive sustainable results.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions that stick.
• Support the rollout of Visual Factory tools and reinforce standard work.
• Collaborate with QA/QC to track and sustain improvements in quality and throughput.
• Coach, train, and influence employees at all levels, from shop floor to leadership.
• Drive adoption of new processes through effective change management.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and internal quality systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
Qualifications

Required knowledge/Experience

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment with a focus on Continuous Improvement, Required.
• Demonstrated success leading process improvement initiatives and facilitating Kaizen, Required.
• Strong knowledge of Lean principles and Six Sigma tools.
• Skilled in root cause analysis, data-driven decision making, and project management.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and coaching skills.
• Ability to influence without authority and train employees at all levels.
• Familiarity with business and quality management systems.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field, Preferred.

Values

• Safety Focus: Prioritize safety in all actions. Actively follow safety protocols, identify potential hazards, and take immediate steps to correct or report unsafe conditions. Model safe behavior for others and contribute to a culture of workplace safety.
• Have Humanity: Respect the input and ideas of everyone to create the best possible outcome.
• Be Transparent: Value transparency in all interactions, ensuring honesty and openness with each stakeholder.
• Drive Innovation: Seek new ways to improve and take on new challenges.
• Be Resilient: Adapt to the ever-evolving business needs enabled by resourcefulness and agility.
• Always Reliable: Deliver on your commitments and achieve your goals. Show up to work on time and complete your assigned tasks.
• Grit: Learn new things, actively seek feedback, and training.
• Ownership Mindset: Take full responsibility for the quality and efficiency of your work. Proactively identify issues, offer solutions, and follow through. Treat company resources and goals as your own.

Performance Metrics

• Teamwork & Communication: Receive positive feedback from team leaders or operators on responsiveness and attitude.
• Safety Compliance : Zero safety violations or incidents; full adherence to PPE and safety protocol.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• FLSA executive and professional positions paid on a salary basis, where project requirements and tight client deadlines may require workweeks over forty (40) hours (including weekends or holidays)
• This role will work in an office setting; however, frequent visits to the production floor are required to oversee operations, ensure compliance and safety standards, and engage staff.
  • Mobility : Ability to move around the manufacturing plant, including walking, standing, and climbing stairs.
  • Manual Dexterity : Occasional use of hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
  • Lifting : Ability to lift and carry items up to twenty-five (25) pounds. All lifting should be done following OSHA standards.
  • Visual and Auditory Requirements : Must be able to see and hear well enough to navigate the plant safely and communicate effectively with team members.

Additional Information

A Note to our Recruitment Partners: We really appreciate the interest, but MCG currently manages hiring through our internal team. We love getting to know our candidates directly! Because of this, we don’t accept unsolicited resumes from agencies at this time. If we ever need an extra hand, we’ll be sure to reach out to the community. Thanks for understanding!

MCG is an equal opportunity employer prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, physical or mental disability, and any other protected classes stated by applicable federal and state laws. DVM is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities and to act in accordance with regulations and guidance issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).