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Continuous Improvement Specialist – Manufacturing

  • OWOSSO, MI

Continuous Improvement Specialist – Manufacturing

Location: Owosso, MI (Preferred)
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Schedule: On-Site | Up to 50% Travel Required
Compensation: Competitive Salary, Based on Experience

Position Overview

We are seeking a results-driven Continuous Improvement Specialist to lead Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence, and business process improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations and supporting departments. This position will focus on improving safety, quality, productivity, delivery, inventory performance, and cost efficiency through structured continuous improvement methodologies. The ideal candidate has hands-on manufacturing experience, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams through process improvements.

This role will collaborate with production, engineering, quality, supply chain, maintenance, finance, and leadership teams to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, standardize processes, and drive measurable operational improvements. The position is fully on-site, preferably based in Owosso, MI, with up to 50% travel to support additional manufacturing facilities and improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and support Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives across manufacturing operations and supporting departments.
  • Plan and facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), root cause analysis, and cross-functional problem-solving activities.
  • Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, inventory performance, and operating costs.
  • Develop and implement waste reduction strategies to minimize downtime, scrap, rework, process variation, and non-value-added activities.
  • Establish and maintain standardized work procedures, visual management systems, process controls, and operational best practices.
  • Analyze production and business performance data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
  • Develop, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance and improvement results.
  • Partner with production, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and leadership teams to optimize manufacturing processes and workflows.
  • Support ERP/MRP system improvements, data accuracy initiatives, and opportunities for process automation.
  • Train, coach, and mentor employees and leadership teams on Lean principles, continuous improvement tools, and problem-solving methodologies.
  • Lead change management efforts to support the successful implementation and sustainability of process improvements.
  • Conduct process audits, evaluate improvement effectiveness, and ensure compliance with operational and quality standards.
  • Support new product launches, capacity improvement projects, and strategic operational initiatives.
  • Track project progress, cost savings, performance improvements, and overall return on improvement initiatives.
  • Support continuous improvement projects across multiple manufacturing locations as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, continuous improvement, operational excellence, or business process improvement.
  • Demonstrated experience applying Lean Manufacturing principles in a production environment.
  • Experience leading Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, or operational improvement initiatives.
  • Working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, including 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, standardized work, root cause analysis, and Six Sigma principles.
  • Experience analyzing manufacturing performance data, identifying process inefficiencies, and implementing corrective improvements.
  • Ability to develop, monitor, and interpret KPIs and operational performance metrics.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP/MRP systems, and reporting or data analysis tools.
  • Strong communication, leadership, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% to support multiple manufacturing locations.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Preferred:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
  • Advanced knowledge of Lean and continuous improvement tools, including SMED, TPM, PDCA/A3 problem solving, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
  • Experience with business process mapping, workflow optimization, and operational transformation initiatives.
  • Experience supporting ERP/MRP improvements, systems integration, or digital transformation projects.
  • Familiarity with ISO, IATF 16949, and manufacturing quality management systems.
  • Experience supporting multiple manufacturing facilities or company-wide continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Background in automotive, industrial, or high-volume manufacturing environments.

Work Environment

This position operates in an active manufacturing environment and requires regular collaboration with plant leadership, production personnel, and cross-functional teams.

The role involves a combination of hands-on shop-floor improvement activities, data analysis, employee training, process audits, and project management.

This is an on-site position. Remote work is not available. Travel of up to 50% may be required.

 

Linked, LLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate and embrace differences and are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Our goal is to ensure that every employee and applicant is treated with respect and fairness. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to making reasonable accommodations to support diverse needs throughout the hiring process. Linked, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to fostering a work environment where everyone can thrive.