Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Description

The Continuous Improvement Specialist analyzes existing business processes, identifies areas for improvement, and develops and implements sustainable strategies to enhance efficiency, productivity, quality, and cost savings within an organization. Acting as a change agent, the Specialist fosters a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the company. Key responsibilities include data collection, process mapping, root cause analysis, project management, training employees on new processes, and reporting on improvement results.

• Responsible for developing and facilitating the creation of the Perry Facility’s Lean Manufacturing Program, including development of visual aids and Huddle Meeting structure.
• Assist in the development of SOPs and SSOPs.
• Lead and facilitate Root Cause Analysis.
• Maintain and communicate all quality data to department managers for problem identification, resolution, and loss reporting.
• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement with Kaizen methods.
• Report metrics and trends routinely to the company.
• Regularly perform pricing and competitive analysis and recommend strategies to improve or reduce costs.
• Follow Lean Manufacturing Processes, team building, consistency in high quality, preventative maintenance, good workplace conditions, productive work, etc.
• Tasks will vary as situations and demands change; your supervisor will assign tasks as necessary.
• Identify cost‑saving, budget adherence, and efficiency gain opportunities through an initiative‑taking approach to improve overall operations.
• Maintain a safe and healthy working environment in accordance with all safety, USDA, and OSHA regulations.
• Maintain or exceed quality standards, performance, and attendance metrics.
• Assist with development and adherence to Team Member training plans and the continued training of current Team Members to ensure quality, safety, and productivity goals are met or exceeded.
• Ensure compliance with established processes and procedures.

Able to organize and prioritize in a multi‑tasking environment, read and write legibly, follow written and verbal instructions, and possess good computer skills. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with intermediate knowledge of Excel.

Monitor unsafe behavior, follow all OSHA guidelines, and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including earplugs, beard‑net, and slip‑resistant footwear.

Build and support a culture at LSI that values Personnel Safety and Food Safety. Demonstrate Jack Link’s Values:
Be Real – Relationship Driven – Stewardship – Speed Matters – Self Discipline – Show Awesome Character. Build and support a culture of openness and accountability within and outside the assigned department. Demonstrate professionalism; encourage and insist on positive attitudes and behaviors from team members. Encourage team member initiative and innovation and show recognition for effort and achievement. Create and cultivate positive work relationships at all levels of LSI.

Communicate effectively and timely with peers and leaders. Collaborate with remote employees and work as part of a team. Suggest improvements; continuously improve the quality of all support activities. Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work‑related problems.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent).
• Required experience:
  
  1 year or more continuous improvement experience in the food manufacturing industry.
• Preferred: 3 years or more continuous improvement experience in the food manufacturing industry.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Excellent attendance and dependability.
• Professional communication skills; verbal and written.
• Computer knowledge: SAP (or equivalent), Scale, Outlook, Excel, and MES.
• Detail oriented, excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to comprehend inventory counting, good math and accounting skills.
• Excellent leadership skills.

The pay range for this role is $52,965 - $72,827 (Annual). Actual wage will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data,…