Continuous Improvement Technician

SUMMARY The Continuous Improvement Technician is the continuous improvement presence at the line and across shifts. The role makes performance data true at the source, maintains the visual and standard work documents the floor runs on, and supports improvement activity led by CI leadership. The data this role verifies is what Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is built from, so the accuracy of the site measure depends directly on the work performed at this level. The expectation is accuracy at the line and a well described problem handed forward, not transcription. Where the Technician finds a fault in the data, the work is correcting it with the operator at the point of use and reporting the pattern, not reentering the number later. This role is the entry point of continuous improvement progression. It carries out continuous improvement work that has been defined by others, under the direction of CI leadership. The Technician does not set site direction, approve changes to standards, rates, or metrics, or supervise anyone. The role is defined by execution, accuracy, and presence on the floor. At a site in the early stages of building continuous improvement capability, this position may be the only dedicated CI resource on site. In that case the role works directly for the Site Leader for direction and support, while the Director of Continuous Improvement provides the methodology, standards, and coaching that a CI Specialist or CI Manager would otherwise provide. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Verify the accuracy and completeness of performance data on assigned lines and shifts in the site standard platform, L2L or Redzone, including downtime coding, reason codes, and shift level completeness. Correct miscoded and incomplete entries with the operator at the point of use rather than after the fact, and report recurring coding problems and their causes to CI leadership. Coach operators on correct platform use, including how to log downtime accurately and the impact of a miscoded stop on the OEE number, so the reason for the standard is understood rather than simply enforced. Capture data directly on lines where operators do not have platform access or where capture is still done by hand. Identify what is preventing operator entry at those lines, such as missing hardware, system access, or training, and work with CI leadership to get those lines converted to digital operator entry. Recognize when the OEE number or its Availability, Performance, and Quality components do not match what was observed on the line, and report the discrepancy to CI leadership with the supporting observation. Support daily huddles by preparing boards, confirming the data shown is current, capturing action items, and following up on open items between meetings. Build and maintain visual management boards and aids with operators and supervisors, keeping content current as products, lines, and standards change. Draft and maintain standard operating procedures, one-point lessons (single topic training sheets), and standard work documents for assigned lines, with review and approval by CI leadership. Support improvement events and focused improvement projects led by CI leadership, including data collection, time studies, observation, and documentation of results. Conduct routine floor observations on assigned lines and report findings and improvement opportunities to CI leadership, including the effect on OEE where it is known, with enough detail to act on without re investigating. Escalate any issue beyond expertise or scope to CI leadership, with a clear description of what was observed, when, on what equipment, and which OEE component was affected. Provide shift to shift continuity by communicating open issues, data gaps, and equipment concerns to incoming teams and to CI and site leadership. Support 5S workplace organization and visual standards in assigned areas, including audits and follow up on findings. Assist with training production operators on standard work and performance expectations for assigned lines. Support the assigned lines, areas, buildings, and shifts as set by site leadership, since coverage models differ across Novus sites. Follow all safety, GMP, allergen, food safety, and plant rules, and report unsafe conditions and food safety risks immediately. Spend the majority of working time on the production floor working directly with operators and supervisors, rather than preparing reporting for others. Other duties assigned QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS Experience & Background High school diploma or GED required 1+ year of manufacturing experience preferred. Internal production operator experience is strongly preferred Working knowledge of the production process, product flow, and equipment on assigned lines Continuous Improvement & Technical Knowledge Familiarity with core CI fundamentals including 5S, standard work, and visual management, or clear aptitude to learn them Working understanding of OEE and its Availability, Performance, and Quality components, sufficient to explain the number to an operator and answer basic questions about it Ability to write clear standard operating procedures and one point lessons with direction and guidance Basic understanding of human and food safety requirements Data & Analytical Skills Exposure to or experience in performance platform such as L2L/Leading2Lean or Redzone Demonstrated competency with basic Microsoft Excel tasks Attention to detail and accuracy in data verification, and the judgment to recognize when a number does not match what was observed on the floor Exposure to AI tools (LLMs) preferred Communication & Leadership Communicates clearly with operators, supervisors, and support functions across all shifts Able to coach and influence peers without formal supervisory authority 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 Work Style Works reliably within established procedures and completes assigned work without prompting Organized, dependable, and comfortable working across all shifts Knows when a situation is outside the scope of the role and escalates rather than improvises