What are the responsibilities and job description for the Continuous Improvement Engineer position at Challenger Turf?
Continuous Improvement Engineer
Challenger Turf, a TenCate company
Location: Dalton GA
Company Overview
Challenger Turf, a TenCate company, is part of TenCate's family of businesses serving the synthetic turf and sports-surface industry. This role supports Challenger Turf's manufacturing operations and works closely with cross-functional teams to strengthen safety, quality, efficiency, and operational performance.
Position Summary
The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for leading and supporting initiatives that improve operational performance, product quality, safety, and cost effectiveness across manufacturing operations. This position partners closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, and leadership teams to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate waste, standardize processes, and strengthen a culture of continuous improvement.
The role applies Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and data-driven problem-solving methodologies to optimize manufacturing performance, improve process capability, and support operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Continuous Improvement Leadership
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and cross-functional problem-solving sessions that drive measurable operational improvements.
• Develop and implement standard work to improve consistency, efficiency, quality, and accountability.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate waste, reduce variation, improve workflow, and increase productivity.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement through coaching, training, employee engagement, and practical application of Lean principles.
Performance Analysis
• Monitor, analyze, and report key performance indicators, including yield, throughput, scrap, downtime, efficiency, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Use data analysis tools and statistical methods to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain performance dashboards and reporting tools to support operational decision-making.
• Measure and validate the effectiveness of improvement initiatives through data collection, analysis, and sustained-results tracking.
Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
• Lead root-cause investigations related to operational inefficiencies, quality issues, process variation, and recurring performance problems.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to address root causes and reduce recurrence.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies to achieve sustainable improvements.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure effective implementation and long-term resolution of identified issues.
Operational Excellence
• Support the implementation and continued adoption of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles throughout manufacturing operations.
• Evaluate workflows, processes, and manufacturing practices to improve safety, productivity, quality, and cost performance.
• Assist departments in developing and maintaining standardized procedures, visual controls, and best practices.
• Participate in strategic improvement projects and capital-investment initiatives as assigned.
Quality and Systems Improvement
• Support initiatives focused on improving product quality, process capability, and defect reduction.
• Collaborate with Quality teams to investigate nonconformances and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with the development and implementation of manufacturing systems, process controls, and performance-monitoring tools.
• Participate in internal and external audits as required.
Team Collaboration
• Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and leadership teams to identify and execute improvement opportunities.
• Facilitate project teams and drive accountability for the implementation and sustainment of improvements.
• Communicate project progress, results, risks, and recommendations to management and key stakeholders.
• Support employee training related to Lean principles, continuous improvement tools, problem-solving methods, and standard work practices.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, manufacturing, industrial engineering, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data-analysis tools.
• Strong communication, facilitation, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification.
• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Project management experience.
• Experience implementing manufacturing performance systems, dashboards, and operational metrics.
Core Competencies
• Continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen facilitation
• Root cause analysis and structured problem solving
• Statistical analysis and data-driven decision making
• Change management and project management
• Cross-functional collaboration, communication, and influencing skills
Performance Measures
• Cost savings and productivity improvements
• Waste, scrap, and downtime reduction
• OEE and throughput improvement
• Quality and process-capability improvements
• Project completion and sustained-results performance
• Return on investment of improvement initiatives
• Safety performance improvements associated with assigned initiatives
Why Join Challenger Turf
• Opportunity to lead meaningful process improvements within a hands-on manufacturing environment while contributing to the broader TenCate organization.
• Collaborative, cross-functional environment with exposure to operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and leadership.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, and 401(k).
Work Authorization
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Challenger Turf, a TenCate company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.