Continuous Improvement Specialist

G.D., headquartered in Bologna, Italy, is the worlds leading supplier of high-tech machineries for cigarette making and packing, filter production, and other new generational products. Because of its extremely extensive machine range, G.D. is the only manufacturer producing complete high-speed lines and a wide range of solutions for the tobacco industry.

G.D. is part of Coesia, a group of innovation-based industrial and packaging solutions companies operating globally, headquartered in Bologna, Italy. Coesia has 141 operating units in 35 countries, a turnover of about 1.9 billion euros and over 8,000 employees.

This position is a part of our Young Professionals Program for Coesia in North America. The YPP initiative is an accelerated program designed to target a population of junior professionals, fresh out of college or less than 18 months of working experience, that have shown high potential through schooling and projects with current and previous work/projects. This is a 2-year program where you will be hired into this C.I. role within G.D. in year one and will conduct a job rotation during year two. During the 2-year program, there is a phase where you will take a trip to Coesia’s global headquarters in Bologna, Italy to collaborate, learn, and debrief with other YPP participants.

The Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for identifying, leading, and implementing process improvement initiatives across the organization. This role leverages Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality and productivity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze current business processes and identify areas for improvement.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and other continuous improvement activities.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma tools to drive operational excellence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement and sustain improvements.
• Develop and maintain documentation of process changes and improvement efforts.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of implemented changes.
• Train and coach employees on continuous improvement methodologies.
• Support strategic initiatives aligned with company goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, business, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and facilitation abilities.
• Experience with value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and project management.
• Willingness to learn and understand different departmental duties as it relates to the overall organization.
• Willingness to travel abroad to participate in the graduation of the YPP program.