Alltrista - Continuous Improvement Specialist

The Continuous Improvement Specialist position supports the Alltrista Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence system with a strong focus on lean manufacturing principles. This role drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, cycle time, and inventory through waste elimination, standardized work, visual management, and disciplined problem-solving.

Projects will align with regional and plant lean deployment efforts and support the business’s operational
excellence strategy through kaizen activity, value stream improvement, and sustainable process changes.

Primary Functions

Execute short-term and long-term continuous improvement objectives that support plant lean manufacturing and operational excellence goals.
Partner with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, and eliminate waste, bottlenecks, and process variation.
Support implementation of lean systems and process changes that improve flow, reduce non-value-added activity, and increase overall equipment and labor efficiency.
Apply value stream mapping and process observation techniques to improve information, material, and production flow.
Act as a change agent by supporting and participating in kaizen events, rapid improvement events, and other lean initiatives.
Own and sustain pre- and post-event standard work to ensure improvements are documented, communicated, and maintained.
Facilitate or co-facilitate problem-solving activities using root cause analysis and corrective action methods.
Participate in daily management meetings, Gemba walks, and visual performance reviews to reinforce accountability and drive follow-up actions.
Maintain and improve visual management systems including Glasswall, 5S, SMED, standard work documentation, and Kamishibai boards.
Support line balancing, workplace organization, ergonomic improvements, and flow optimization under leadership guidance.
Help develop more efficient ways to use people, machines, materials, information, and energy to improve productivity and reduce cost.
Train and coach employees on lean manufacturing concepts, tools, and standard methodologies, including support for off-shift operations as needed.
Maintain regular on-site attendance and flexibility to support plant needs, including occasional irregular hours on short notice.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

Associate degree in a related field or a minimum of 4 years of experience in a continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, or process improvement role; equivalent combination of education and manufacturing experience may be considered.
Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing environment with practical application of lean principles, including waste reduction, 5S, visual management, standard work, and problem-solving.
Ability to work effectively across teams, influence change, and build engagement in continuous improvement initiatives.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and unit-based measurements.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present data, facilitate discussions, and support training in a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, including the ability to analyze data, track metrics, and support reporting for lean initiatives.