Continuous Improvement & Training Specialist - OPEX

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement & Training Specialist is an individual contributor role responsible for driving operational efficiency, waste reduction, and workforce capability development within a manufacturing environment. This role partners with production, quality, engineering, and HR teams to implement Lean manufacturing initiatives while designing and delivering training that supports process adoption and employee skill development. The Specialist ensures improvements are sustained through standard work, effective training, and measurable performance outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Identify and eliminate waste in manufacturing processes.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and root cause analysis sessions.
• Improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance on the production floor.
• Develop and implement standard work, visual management, and 5S practices.
• Analyze production metrics such as OEE, scrap, downtime, and cycle time.
• Drive sustainable process improvements and ensure adoption across teams.
• Design and deliver training programs for operators, supervisors, and team leads.
• Create structured onboarding and upskilling programs for manufacturing roles.
• Develop training materials including SOPs, job aids, and visual work instructions.
• Facilitate hands-on and classroom-style training sessions.
• Coach employees on continuous improvement tools and problem-solving techniques.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through observations, assessments, and performance data.
• Partner with P&O COE team and leadership to identify skill gaps and training needs.
• Support change management and reinforce learning through on-the-job application.
• Track training completion, skill progression, and workforce capability metrics.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning on the production floor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, HR/P&O, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–7 years of experience in manufacturing, continuous improvement, or training roles.
• Hands-on experience with Lean manufacturing tools (Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping).
• Experience facilitating training in a production or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs (OEE, scrap, yield, cycle time).
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and communication skills.
• Ability to influence and engage employees at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in Excel, Power BI, or similar tools.

Essential Job Functions

• Regular and on-time attendance.
• Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to stand/walk the production floor for extended periods
• Ability to facilitate group training sessions

Perks & Benefits

Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 14 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave, life insurance, short & long-term disability, on-site gym access, health & wellbeing center, on-site café, walking trails, tuition assistance, and more!

#LI-DZ1

Phoenix Contact is committed to the diversity of our employees. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

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Notice to Staffing Agencies, Placement Services, and Professional Recruiters:

Phoenix Contact has an internal Staffing Department. Recruiters are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact Phoenix Contact employees directly in an attempt to present candidates. Phoenix Contact will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Phoenix Contact, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Phoenix Contact mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Phoenix Contact employees, or to Phoenix Contact's resume database will be considered Phoenix Contact property. Phoenix Contact will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Phoenix Contact will consider any candidate for whom a Recruiter has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Recruiter free of any charges or fees. Phoenix Contact will not pay a fee to any Recruiter that does not have a signed Phoenix Contact contract in place specific to the position for which the resume was submitted. Recruiting vendor agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Phoenix Contact's Head of People & Organization or his or her designee. No other Phoenix Contact employee is authorized to bind Phoenix Contact to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Recruiters. By submitting a candidate to Phoenix Contact, recruiters agree to be bound and comply with this policy.