Continuous Improvement Specialist; Day Shift

Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? We are looking for a Continuous Improvement Specialist to help lead our Lean, Gemba, and Rapid Improvement initiatives across the plant.

• Coach and develop line operations leaders from operators to general managers through leadership culture and behavior changes, using PENA HPL, HPC training methods, and the deployment of our newly created production system.
• Support hourly CI coaches on other shifts as needed and ensure consistency across shifts and multi‑level change leaders, growing their HPC, daily management system, and coach‑for‑change management capabilities.
• Coach key contributors daily during Gemba walks on developing a highly effective daily management process focused on visual control, flow creation, defect reduction, adherence to standard work, and rigorous problem solving.
• Work with the entire value‑stream organization to transform into a culture focused on customer value and continuous improvement.
• Develop value‑stream maps establishing future‑state targets that eliminate non‑value‑added waste in product, material, and information flow.
• Collaborate with leadership and support teams to define and educate the workforce on a lean transformation plan of A3s and JDI’s, leading to achievement of future‑state targets.
• Partner with the site training department/HR to develop and deliver programs teaching lean manufacturing tools and concepts such as problem solving, A3 management, Kaizen, value‑stream mapping, visual management, and pull.
• Ensure rigor around pre‑work, post‑work, and rapid improvement events.
• Maintain compliance with standard processes and tools, help the team develop personal leader standard work, and foster a culture of process discipline.
• Act as a change agent to enact improvements through the formation and management of plant Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs).
• Identify and invite key participants who will collaborate to eliminate waste and improve processes.
• Facilitate meetings so the team fully understands problems and improvement processes.
• Provide training specific to lean manufacturing tools and methodology.
• Follow up on RIE action plans to ensure execution of improvements.
• Coach employees on lean tool usage.
• Become an expert on key lean tools, including mechanics and appropriate application.
• Conduct regular GEMBA walks and coach for daily improvement and problem solving.
• Ensure A3/A4 thinking is understood at all organization levels.
• Serve as a proactive presence when groups stall or resist change.
• Build visual management systems and create strong hand‑offs to area owners for continued success.
• Communicate lean progress effectively to promote understanding and implementation.
• Develop communication plans to inform the organization of lean progress and upcoming activities.
• Share best practice from shift to shift regarding HPC, Gemba walks, and Kaizens.

• Wearing PPE is required for some roles, which may include a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit with respirator.

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Bachelor’s Degree and relevant experience (preferred)

• At least 2 years of continuous improvement manufacturing experience.
• Strong technical background in high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Solid background in process development and improvement.
• Ability to work effectively at all organization levels.
• Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence change without direct authority.
• Experience with PENA high‑performance culture training (internal candidates).
• Dynamic facilitation and training skills.
• Ability to convey complex concepts simply and clearly.
• Experience coaching and mentoring others.
• Proficient with working‑level English, including reading, writing, and speaking.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Alignment with Panasonic’s seven core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring…