Continuous Improvement Specialist

SUMMARY The Continuous Improvement Specialist is the sites primary problem solver and source of continuous improvement expertise. The role applies structured continuous improvement methods and data driven analysis to close gaps in safety, quality, throughput, delivery, and cost, and owns improvement work end to end rather than executing tasks handed down. The role is also the site owner of the digital performance platform, L2L or Redzone per site standard, and is accountable for the integrity of the data that platform produces. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is the primary measure of site performance and the common language this role is expected to establish, teach, and defend. The expectation is analysis and countermeasure, not data entry and reporting. Where a number is entered, the CI Specialist is accountable for what that number means and what is being done about it. The CI Specialist also works closely with site leadership and the CI Director to ensure site CI projects align with broader Novus CI strategy and standards. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Work with site and CI leadership to plan and facilitate the rollout of new or revised CI processes at the site, supporting adoption through training, coaching, and follow up. Support and maintain (or create, if absent) the CIL and daily huddle owner training program at the site, including keeping materials current as equipment and standards change, retraining owners as turnover requires, delivering refresher sessions, and tracking completion and effectiveness. Build and maintain visual management boards and aids with operators and supervisors, keeping content current as products, lines, and standards change. Coach, teach and mentor system owners on principles of Lean manufacturing emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, how CI practices can influence and improve daily production, and create efficiency in workflow Serve as the site owner of the digital performance platform, L2L or Redzone per the site standard set by the Director of Continuous Improvement, including configuration, user access, and daily use as the plants operating language. Partner with site and CI leadership to determine the appropriate level of platform administrative access for each user group, and maintain user access in line with that direction. Own the accuracy and integrity of the data inside the platform, including downtime coding, standard and theoretical rate settings, and shift level completeness; including auditing on a defined cadence and correction at the source of error. Own Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) at the site, including the Availability, Performance, and Quality components, and be able to explain and defend what each number represents at line, shift, and site level. Partner with site leadership and Engineering to determine which lines and assets are included in the site OEE calculation per enterprise standard. Govern the standard and theoretical rates that OEE is calculated against, and lead the initial review when a rate is challenged, changed, or newly established, build the supporting case, and present the recommendation for final approval by the CI Manager or Sr. CI Specialist where one is in place, or by the Site Leader and the Director of Continuous Improvement where one is not. Build, track, and publish site KPIs including OEE, downtime, quality, delivery, and cost, through the site standard platform and through floor owned visual boards. Provide the site level OEE number and the supporting detail behind it to the CI Manager or Sr. CI Specialist where one is in place, or to the Site Leader and the Director of Continuous Improvement where one is not, and remain accountable for accuracy at the line and shift level. Teach OEE as the shared operating language of the site, so supervisors, operators, and support functions work from the same definitions and act on the same number. Lead structured problem-solving using root cause analysis, fishbone diagrams, PDCA, Kaizen events, paper cut projects, and line blitz events. Own improvement projects end to end, from identifying the gap through implementing the countermeasure and confirming the gain holds after the project closes. Facilitate tiered daily and weekly huddles and the escalation routines that connect them, consistent with the Management Operating System structure in use at the site. Conduct regular Gemba walks to observe work as done, build frontline relationships, and surface improvement opportunities at the source. Maintain a prioritized project pipeline driven by data, operational impact, and risk, reviewed on a set cadence with the Site Leader and CI leadership. Document standard work and a sustainment plan for every improvement, so gains transfer to the floor and do not depend on the CI Specialist staying involved. Partner with EHS, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations so improvement work reinforces, and never compromises, food safety and human safety outcomes. Bring cross functional issues that require reprioritization by Maintenance, Quality, or Operations leadership to the CI leadership or Site leader, with the supporting data needed to make the decision. Support all production buildings or sub sites, if present, at the assigned location, as directed by site leadership. Support internal, customer, and third-party audits by providing continuous improvement and performance documentation, working with Quality and site leadership on the scope and format required at that location. Spend the majority of working time on the production floor working directly with operators, supervisors, and support functions, rather than preparing reporting for others. Other duties assigned QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTSQUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS Experience & Background Minimum 35 years of demonstrated superior Continuous Improvement skills in a machine/manufacturing environment or equivalent demonstrated capability (including internal candidates already performing CI work without the formal title) may substitute Lean or Six Sigma certification, Green Belt or higher, strongly preferred Continuous Improvement & Technical Knowledge Working knowledge of core CI methods: 5S, standard work, root cause analysis, fishbone diagrams, PDCA, and Kaizen Working understanding of OEE how Availability, Performance, and Quality are calculated, how they combine, and common ways each component can be distorted Basic understanding of human and food safety requirements Basic understanding of food production, maintenance, and quality control Ability to solve basic food production equipment problems Familiarity with tiered daily management or a Management Operating System structure, preferred Data & Analytical Skills Demonstrated analytical capability, including building and interpreting data tracking tools, dashboards, and reports Experience in leveraging data visualization tools (such as Tableau) to drive business discussions Able to move from data to a conclusion and defend it with evidence, rather than simply reporting numbers Working proficiency in L2L/Leading2Lean or Redzone, or clear aptitude to learn and administer a performance platform Expertise in Excel and proficiency in other areas of Microsoft Office Exposure to AI tools (LLMs) preferred Communication & Leadership Communicates effectively across all levels of the organization, one-on-one and in front of diverse groups Strong verbal and written communication skills Bilingual capability may be a requirement rather than a preference at sites where the majority of the production workforce speaks a language other than English, as determined by site leadership. Able to teach, coach, and influence others toward a shared vision without formal supervisory authority. Supports and maintains programs and processes, including clear and effective training materials, and contributes to building new ones in partnership with site leadership. Effective at planning and organizing group work activities Work Style Adapts readily to new job requirements and can pivot plans as needed Works effectively both independently and as part of a team