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Manufacturing, HVAC, Industrial Equipment

Continuous Improvement Specialist II

Memphis, TNOnsiteFull TimePosted 1 month agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

  • continuous improvement principles
  • process waste
  • structured problem-solving
  • operational data
  • standardized procedures
  • process documentation
  • organizational change
  • project management

Nice to have

  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Six Sigma
  • manufacturing industries

Role summary

This role supports site-level continuous improvement initiatives by leading projects to enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and process reliability. The specialist partners with leadership and employees to identify performance gaps, reduce waste, and improve workflows. Responsibilities include facilitating problem-solving sessions, developing standardized processes, analyzing performance trends, and ensuring alignment with safety and regulatory requirements. The position aims to foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence within a manufacturing or operations environment.

Job Description:

Supports site-level continuous improvement initiatives by leading projects that enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and process reliability. Partners with leadership, supervisors, and frontline employees to identify performance gaps, reduce waste, and improve workflow across the facility. Facilitates structured problem solving sessions, improvement events, and training activities to strengthen organizational capability. Develops standardized processes, evaluates performance trends, and ensures improvement activities align with safety, regulatory, and operational requirements. Contributes to a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and long term operational excellence.

Primary Duties

  • Leads the planning and execution of continuous improvement initiatives that improve process performance, reduce waste, and enhance customer satisfaction.
  • Collaborates with plant leadership and operational teams to diagnose process issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
  • Facilitates improvement events, workshops, and training sessions to build employee capability in problem solving and continuous improvement methods.
  • Conducts on‑site evaluations to identify non‑standard conditions and partners with teams to restore process stability.
  • Develops, maintains, and improves standardized work practices to support consistent operations.
  • Analyzes performance indicators and prepares clear, data‑driven updates for leadership to support decision‑making.
  • Benchmarks industry practices and integrates relevant improvements to strengthen long‑term operational performance.
  • Ensures that improvement activities comply with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience Requirements

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related field; 4+ years of experience leading or supporting process improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or operations environment; or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.
Experience in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or related manufacturing industries preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of continuous improvement principles and methods used to identify and reduce process waste.
  • Ability to lead teams through structured problem‑solving and improvement activities.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate operational data and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Ability to build relationships and influence employees at all levels to support improvement initiatives.
  • Strong communication skills to clearly convey concepts, goals, and progress updates.
  • Skill in developing standardized procedures and maintaining process documentation.
  • Ability to support organizational change through coaching, collaboration, and effective communication.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Essential Mental and Physical Functions:

  • Ability to analyze information, make decisions, and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Occasional standing, walking, and movement throughout manufacturing facilities.
  • Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. during facility visits.
  • Frequent interaction with leadership, supervisors, and frontline teams.
  • Occasional travel to other facilities or vendor locations as needed.

Work Environment:

  • Performs work on‑site in an office setting with routine visits to manufacturing areas.
  • Exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and industrial equipment during plant visits.
  • Use of personal protective equipment required when in designated operational areas.
  • Occasional overnight travel may be required to support improvement activities or collaboration across locations.

Disclaimer:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at a time with or without notice. This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.

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