Continuous Improvement Specialist

About the role

Ventek Solutions is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to lead and support Lean Manufacturing and business process improvement initiatives across operations and supporting functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence, and business process improvement initiatives across manufacturing and support functions.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), root cause analysis, and cross-functional problem-solving activities to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, inventory performance, and cost.
• Drive waste reduction and process optimization initiatives focused on improving workflow efficiency, reducing downtime, scrap, rework, variability, and non-value-added activities.
• Develop, implement, and sustain standardized work, visual management systems, process controls, layered audits, and best operational practices.
• Analyze operational and business performance data, monitor KPIs, and develop reporting tools to identify trends, gaps, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Partner with production, engineering, quality, supply chain, maintenance, and leadership teams to improve process flow, system utilization, and operational performance.
• Support ERP/MRP process improvements, data accuracy initiatives, and opportunities for automation and digital process enhancement.
• Coach, mentor, and train employees and leaders on Lean methodologies, process improvement tools, and continuous improvement principles.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure successful implementation and sustainment of operational and business process improvements.
• Conduct process audits, validate improvement sustainability, and support compliance with operational, quality, and customer requirements.
• Support strategic operational goals, new product launches, capacity improvements, and continuous improvement roadmaps while tracking project savings and performance results.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred. 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, continuous improvement, operational excellence, or business process improvement roles. Demonstrated experience deploying Lean Manufacturing principles in a production environment. Experience leading Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, or operational transformation initiatives. Experience analyzing and improving business workflows, operational systems, or transactional processes preferred.
• Skills & Competencies: Strong knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies, including 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, Root Cause Analysis, PDCA/A3 problem solving, OEE analysis, and Six Sigma principles. Experience with business process mapping, workflow optimization, KPI development, process documentation, and operational performance management. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret operational and business data to drive decision-making. Effective leadership, coaching, facilitation, and change management abilities with the capability to influence teams across all organizational levels. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and training initiatives. Experience working with ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Office, and data analysis/reporting tools. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Preferred Qualifications: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification. Experience with ERP/MRP systems and business systems integration. Knowledge of ISO, IATF 16949, quality systems, or regulated manufacturing environments. Experience supporting digital transformation or manufacturing system improvement initiatives. Multi-site manufacturing or operational improvement experience preferred. Experience in automotive, industrial, or high-volume manufacturing environments preferred.