Alltrista - Continuous Improvement Specialist

The Continuous Improvement Specialist position supports the Alltrista Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence system with a strong focus on lean manufacturing principles. This role drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, cycle time, and inventory through waste elimination, standardized work, visual management, and disciplined problem-solving.

Projects will align with regional and plant lean deployment efforts and support the business’s operational

excellence strategy through kaizen activity, value stream improvement, and sustainable process changes.

Primary Functions

• Execute short-term and long-term continuous improvement objectives that support plant lean manufacturing and operational excellence goals.
• Partner with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, and eliminate waste, bottlenecks, and process variation.
• Support implementation of lean systems and process changes that improve flow, reduce non-value-added activity, and increase overall equipment and labor efficiency.
• Apply value stream mapping and process observation techniques to improve information, material, and production flow.
• Act as a change agent by supporting and participating in kaizen events, rapid improvement events, and other lean initiatives.
• Own and sustain pre- and post-event standard work to ensure improvements are documented, communicated, and maintained.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate problem-solving activities using root cause analysis and corrective action methods.
• Participate in daily management meetings, Gemba walks, and visual performance reviews to reinforce accountability and drive follow-up actions.
• Maintain and improve visual management systems including Glasswall, 5S, SMED, standard work documentation, and Kamishibai boards.
• Support line balancing, workplace organization, ergonomic improvements, and flow optimization under leadership guidance.
• Help develop more efficient ways to use people, machines, materials, information, and energy to improve productivity and reduce cost.
• Train and coach employees on lean manufacturing concepts, tools, and standard methodologies, including support for off-shift operations as needed.
• Maintain regular on-site attendance and flexibility to support plant needs, including occasional irregular hours on short notice.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related field or a minimum of 4 years of experience in a continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, or process improvement role; equivalent combination of education and manufacturing experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing environment with practical application of lean principles, including waste reduction, 5S, visual management, standard work, and problem-solving.
• Ability to work effectively across teams, influence change, and build engagement in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and unit-based measurements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present data, facilitate discussions, and support training in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, including the ability to analyze data, track metrics, and support reporting for lean initiatives.