Continuous Improvement Specialist

General Description:

The Continuous Improvement Specialist plays a critical role in driving operational efficiency, quality, and performance across the plant by leading Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence (1OX) initiatives. This position is responsible for identifying and eliminating waste, optimizing work processes through time studies and line balancing, and implementing sustainable corrective actions. Acting as a key liaison between the plant and regional OpEx leadership, the specialist ensures alignment with corporate strategies, supports training and development in CI methodologies, and tracks measurable improvements. Through structured analysis, hands-on problem solving, and proactive project execution, the role supports the plant’s goals for productivity, cost savings, and a culture of continuous improvement.The Specialist Continuous Improvement deploys locally the continuous improvement projects. S/he contributes as well to the continous improvement of the Opex approach by providing feedback and lessons learned to the Plant Manager.The Continuous Improvement Specialist acts as a Trainer for Opex methods.

• Lead plant-specific Operational Excellence (1OX) initiatives aligned with corporate strategy, driving continuous improvement projects, coordinating with regional OpEx leaders, delivering training, and ensuring timely execution while escalating issues as needed.
• Conduct value stream and process analysis to identify inefficiencies, perform time studies, audit material flow and machine cycles, and classify activities to support data-driven operational improvements.
• Optimize work cells through line balancing by calculating takt times and determining the appropriate number of workstations to ensure efficient workload distribution and performance.
• Lead root cause analysis, implement and track corrective actions, facilitate problem-solving sessions and 5S initiatives, and communicate issues and solutions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor continuous improvement by auditing work cells, measuring solution effectiveness, maintaining Kaizen boards and documentation, and supporting the implementation of Associate Improvement Ideas
• Track potential and actual savings from improvement projects, support data collection for incentive programs, and provide regular status updates and reports to the Kaizen Manager and stakeholders
• Promote and uphold quality, safety, environmental, and data security standards by leading through example, participating in training, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and compliance.
• Complete assigned tasks and support additional duties as needed to drive continuous improvement and meet operational excellence goals within set timelines and budgets.

Work and Education Experience:

• Bachelors preferred but not required
• Experience in Automotive industry/ maufacturing industry
• Experience in international context
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and the 1OX framework.
• Experience conducting time studies, line balancing, and process improvement initiatives
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including experience delivering training.
• Understanding of customer-specific requirements (CSR), either through training, work experience, or both.
• Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and drive results.