What are the responsibilities and job description for the Continuous Improvement Specialist position at Zeus Industrial Products and Careers?
Job Summary
The Continuous Improvement Specialist leads cross-functional initiatives to drive measurable improvements in cost, throughput, quality, and customer satisfaction. Acting as a change agent, this role applies Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to identify, analyze, and implement process improvements across multiple sites and functions. Responsibilities include standardizing processes, replicating best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in alignment with the Zeus Operating System (ZOS). The role collaborates with teams at all levels to optimize operations, reduce waste, and build organizational capability to achieve business objectives.
- Lead Projects: Deliver CI initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, PDCA and other methodologies to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance production capabilities.
- Facilitate Cross-Functional Improvement: Organize and lead Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and rapid problem-solving workshops across production, engineering, quality, supply chain, and maintenance.
- Capability Building: Mentor, coach, and train team members in Strategic Problem Solving and Six Sigma Principles.
- Technical & Analytical Expertise: Apply Hypothesis testing, Regression, DOE, GR&R, SPC, and Process Capability analysis; leverage Minitab, Power BI, and Excel to validate results and ensure sustainability.
- Business Alignment: Quantify project ROI, link initiatives to financial and strategic priorities, and provide KPI dashboards for leadership.
- Sustainability: Ensure process improvements are maintained through control plans, leader standard work, and monitoring systems, with ongoing oversight and continuous refinement
Education:
- Bachelor’s in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field
Experience:
- 5 years of hands-on experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or related manufacturing leadership roles.
- Demonstrated success leading high-impact projects with measurable outcomes (cost savings, yield improvements, scrap reduction, OEE gains).
- Experience working across multiple facilities or functions preferred.
Skills and Competencies:
- Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, VSM, TPM, 5S, FMEA Preferred
- Analytics & Problem Solving: Strong capability in root cause analysis, DOE, GR&R, SPC, and process capability; skilled at extracting insights from large datasets and converting them into actionable improvements.
- Data Visualization & Tools: Proficient in Minitab, Power BI, and Excel for statistical analysis, performance tracking, and presenting findings effectively to stakeholders.
- Project Leadership: Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams from project definition through execution and control; expertise in scope, resource planning, milestone tracking, risk assessment, and cost control. PMP certification a plus.
- Change Management & Sustainability: Proven ability to integrate improvements into daily operations through control plans, leader standard work, and cultural adoption, ensuring long-term results.
- Communication & Facilitation: Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills; comfortable engaging audiences from operators to executives; experienced in facilitating workshops, Kaizen events, and executive-level updates.
- Leadership & Influence: Strong presence with the ability to coach, mentor, and drive cultural change while motivating teams to embrace structured problem solving and continuous improvement.
Certifications:
Six Sigma GB or BB preferred
Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred