CI Specialist

Job Summary

The CI Specialist supports the coordination and execution of Lean transformational activities within an assigned department or value stream, champions change and serves as a resource for Lean improvement. Working under the direction of the CI Manager and in partnership with Plant Leadership, this position provides guidance and follow-through to support the completion of departmental sustainment goals and objectives by delivering results in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale.

This role focuses on applying established CI tools and standard work at the department level. Improvement activity is typically defined in scope, executed within an assigned area, and supported by the CI Manager or Sr. CI Specialist.

Key Responsibilities

Works closely with the CI Manager and Plant Leadership to:

• Build an employee engaged work environment
• Develop and maintain tracking tools and measures that support CI initiatives
• Provide and teach a Continuous Improvement mindset and foundational CI techniques to employees
• Facilitates point kaizen and departmental improvement events to drive sustainable initiatives within an assigned area.
• Participates as a team member in more complex, cross-functional, and full-week improvement events led by the CI Manager or Sr. CI Specialist.
• Analyzes department-level data to identify improvement opportunities and supports the CI Manager in prioritizing them.
• Works individually or as a team member to perform and teach root cause analysis using standard problem-solving tools.
• Supports the establishment and execution of productivity pipeline projects within an assigned department.
• Manages multiple defined-scope projects at the same time, meeting committed timelines and deliverables.
• Tracks project status and results, escalating barriers and sustainment risks to the CI Manager.
• Supports peers and colleagues to drive performance across the organization.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Two (2) years of college coursework or an associate degree is preferred.

Experience:

• Two (2) or more years working in a manufacturing environment or degree and 1 or more years of experience is required.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, or WCM.
• Prior participation in kaizen or structured improvement events is required.
• Certifications: Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt certification a plus, or willingness to obtain.
• Technical Skills:
• Knowledge and experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Working proficiency in MS Excel and standard computer applications.
• Working knowledge of foundational CI tools, including 5S, standard work, visual management, and root cause analysis is required.

Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to give and acknowledge instructions and problems.
• Strong self-confidence and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with autonomy on assigned scope.
• Accurate and detail oriented.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, and/or schedule form.
• Ability to work well with others in stressful situations and meet deadlines as necessary.
• Ability to handle several priorities and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to support and lead change within an assigned area.

No relocation is available for this opportunity.

Maker's Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer.