Continuous Improvement Specialist

About the Role

Scot Forge manufactures high‑performance forged components for demanding industries. As a Continuous Improvement Specialist you will accelerate the Lean journey by partnering with employee‑owners across operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, and supply chain to solve problems, eliminate waste, and improve performance. The role is hands‑on, collaborative, and focused on building lasting capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
• Coach teams in structured problem‑solving, root cause analysis, and Lean methodologies.
• Deploy and sustain Lean manufacturing principles, daily management systems, and standard work.
• Drive improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Equipment Reliability through waste elimination.
• Measure, track, and communicate improvement results while building organizational capability.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, rapid improvement workshops, and cross‑functional improvement projects.
• Lead teams through structured problem‑solving methods including A3, 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Analysis, and Pareto Analysis.
• Support daily management systems through KPI development, visual management, tier meetings, leader standard work, and performance tracking.
• Conduct Gemba walks, value stream mapping, and data analysis to identify priorities and implement sustainable improvements.
• Train and coach employee‑owners on Lean principles and operational excellence tools including 5S, TPM, SMED, and Visual Factory.

Requirements

• 3–7 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, quality, continuous improvement, or a related environment.
• Proven success participating in or facilitating Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, and structured problem‑solving activities.
• Lean certification and/or Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Servant‑leadership mindset with the ability to influence and build engagement across teams without direct authority.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship and able to pass a 90‑day hair drug test.

Why Scot Forge

• 100% employee‑owned company with a long history of stability and growth.
• Industry leader serving critical and demanding markets.
• Opportunity to drive meaningful operational improvements across the business.
• Collaborative culture that values servant leadership and continuous learning.
• Nationally recognized commitment to safety and employee engagement.
• A place where people build careers, not just resumes.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, Dental, and Hearing coverage.
• Life (Basic & AD&D) and Disability (STD & LTD) insurance.
• 401(k) plan with match and profit sharing.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Tax‑savings accounts (FSA & HSA).
• Vacation time, paid time off, and paid holidays.

Compensation

The estimated pay range reflects the lowest and highest amounts we believe we would pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual base pay will depend on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business needs. Additional compensation such as bonuses is at the company's discretion.

Additional Information

• 100% onsite work.
• Multiple positions open at Scot Forge manufacturing plants in Spring Grove, IL; Clinton, WI; and Franklin Park, IL.