Continuous Improvement Specialist - Erlanger, KY

This is a salaried, non-exempt level position.

About the role

As a Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist on the Operations team, you will lead and support process improvement initiatives across the organization to enhance operational efficiency, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. You will help drive a culture of continuous improvement by applying Performance Excellence or continuous improvement methodologies. In this role, you will also support change management efforts by effectively engaging stakeholders, building alignment, and influencing change without relying on formal position power, using collaboration, communication, and trust to encourage adoption and sustain improvements.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify process inefficiencies and improvement opportunities
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement
• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects focused on cost reduction, productivity, quality, and safety enhancements
• Facilitate Kaizen events, root cause analyses, and problem-solving workshops
• Partner with CI teams to ensure project alignment with organizational improvement priorities
• Support a culture of continuous improvement by promoting engagement, accountability, and sustainment at all levels of the organization
• Develop and implement standard work procedures and best practices
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on progress toward improvement goals
• Promote continuous improvement through employee engagement, coaching, and idea generation
• Communicate project activities and key metrics in writing and verbally to managers and other stakeholders
• Proactively participate in safety, environmental, quality, and production processes to ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures
• Support the implementation of standardized work, visual management, and performance measurement systems

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading process improvement initiatives in operations, manufacturing, or quality-related environments
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel and Power BI
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities
• Proficient in mentoring, training, and development of colleagues
• Familiarity with Performance Excellence or similar continuous improvement frameworks (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
• Demonstrated history of successfully supporting and leading change management initiatives

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing floor settings
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds; employees are encouraged to request assistance for objects exceeding this weight
• Ability to move about a work site, including stooping, bending, kneeling, or squatting as needed during the course of a workday
• May require periods of prolonged sitting or standing
• Regular use of a computer

Pay

The pay range for this position is expected to be between $59,000.00 and $108,000.00. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

Benefits

In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:

• Physical wellness: medical/Rx, dental, vision, and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness: flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
• Mental and social wellness: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
• Additional Benefits:
  • Paid time off including paid holidays.
  • Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training, and mentoring programs.

*Benefits may vary for bargained locations.

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities, and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.