Continuous Improvement Associate

Description

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Associate with a passion for hands-on process optimization and a drive to support operational excellence across our organization. The Associate will apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and data analysis skills to execute improvement projects, solve operational problems, and sustain gains achieved through continuous improvement initiatives.

Reporting to the Continuous Improvement Senior Manager, the Continuous Improvement Associate will serve as a key contributor in executing the organization's continuous improvement strategy. This role will work directly on the shop floor and within cross-functional teams to collect and analyze data, identify process inefficiencies, implement solutions, and sustain improvements that enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality outcomes-all while maintaining compliance with GMP regulations and global health authority expectations.

The Associate will actively contribute to building INCOG's culture of continuous improvement by applying Lean tools, leading kaizen events, developing and maintaining standard work, and supporting the coaching and development of team members. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and present data-driven findings to diverse audiences. The Associate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, a willingness to learn, and the initiative to drive positive change at the operational level.

Essential Job Functions:

• Execute continuous improvement projects across INCOG functions including Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Supply Chain/Warehouse, Technical Services, Engineering, and related business areas under the direction of the Continuous Improvement Senior Manager.

• Support the development and implementation of the continuous improvement strategy by conducting data collection, process analysis, and baseline assessments to identify improvement opportunities.

• Lead and facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping exercises, and process improvement workshops to identify and eliminate waste, reduce cycle times, and improve operational efficiency.

• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools (DMAIC, 5S, visual management, standard work, etc.) to drive measurable improvements in key performance indicators.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret process data using statistical methods to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement; present findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain continuous improvement metrics, dashboards, and visual management boards to track project progress and communicate results.

• Support the coaching and training of employees in continuous improvement tools, methodologies, and problem-solving techniques to build organizational capability.

• Lead root cause analysis activities for operational challenges, utilizing tools such as fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys, Pareto analysis, and statistical process control.

• Create, update, and maintain standard work documentation, process flow diagrams, and work instructions to sustain improvements.

• Collaborate with Quality and Operations teams to ensure continuous improvement initiatives maintain compliance with FDA, EMA, and other regulatory requirements for GMP manufacturing.

• Support cross-functional problem-solving teams by gathering data, preparing analysis, and helping implement sustainable solutions.

• Research and benchmark industry best practices and contribute innovative ideas for operational excellence within the CDMO environment.

• Support organizational change management activities, including stakeholder analysis, change impact assessments, communication planning, and adoption tracking, to ensure successful implementation and sustainment of improvement initiatives across the organization.

• Participate in Gemba walks, time studies, and process observations to identify waste and improvement opportunities at the operational level.

• Support the design, implementation, and sustainment of visual management systems across operational…