Continuous Improvement Lean Specialist

Company Overview

Röchling Medical Rochester is a leader in the medical device manufacturing sector, part of The Röchling Group. With a strong focus on contract manufacturing, product design, and mold making, we deliver high-quality surgical, laboratory, and diagnostic devices through precise engineering and robust program management.

Job Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Lean Specialist is responsible for deploying Lean systems, driving operational excellence, and building organizational capability across the site. This role leads Kaizen events, facilitates structured problem solving, and partners with cross‑functional teams to eliminate waste, improve flow, and strengthen daily management. The Lean Specialist serves as a hands‑on practitioner and coach, supporting the development of a sustainable Lean culture and enabling the site to achieve higher levels of safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

General:

• Utilizes Lean tools to drive Lean Systems in all aspects of the business; e.g., Operations, Quality, Engineering, Admin.
• Schedules and manages the site Continuous Improvement Steering Committee
• Track / Achieve cost savings objectives and report monthly results
• Promote a continuous improvement culture through achievement of RPA targets
• Plan, organize, and execute Kaizen events
• Conduct Lean training
• Follow up on Kaizen event action list through start to close
• Facilitate Continuous Improvement teams using Kaizen, VA/VE, 3P, 5s and SMED
• Provide input to the Regional Lean Director to continually improve training materials and technique

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must have problem solving and facilitation skills
• Must be enthusiastic, tenacious, professional and articulate
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Must be able to interact with all levels of the organization
• Must have ability to become a certified Black Belt within 18 months

Required Experience:

• Lean Systems Certification
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience implementing Lean manufacturing
• Leadership skills
• Experience leading Kaizen events
• Preferred knowledge of Six Sigma
• Excellent communication and training skills
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tool box
• Excellent problem solving and facilitation skills
• Experience in Lean Systems implementation
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodology (Kaizen, VA/VE, 3P, 5s and SMED)

Required Knowledge:

• Must possess communication and training skills
• Knowledge of the Toyota Production System
• Proficient in OpEx methods, tools, skills, and trends and how to apply
• Proficiency in MS Office and digital tools used for analysis, reporting, and visual management.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management or related technical field
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience and knowledge of production machinery, processes, standards, and/or change management.
• Lean, Lean Six Sigma certified. Minimum Green Belt, Black Belt preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Speaking and hearing is sufficient for understanding, required
• Visual requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and ability to adjust focus
• Major portion of work schedule is spent walking, standing, stooping, bending and occasionally lifting up to 40lb.
• Must have sufficient manual dexterity to use hands and fingers in use of keyboard entry.
• Occasionally working near moving mechanical parts.

Roechling Medical Rochester is an Equal Opportunity Employer. RMR does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.