Lean Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI) Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Lead rapid continuous improvement (RCI) initiatives focused on productivity, throughput, waste reduction, and cost savings
• Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities across steel fabrication, stamping, assembly, and production workflows
• Apply Lean methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, 3P, Value Stream Mapping, DFM, SMED, TPM, standard work) to drive measurable results
• Facilitate Rapid Continuous Improvement events and rapid improvement workshops across the manufacturing site (12-24 per year minimum)
• Train all production management and production personnel on lean principles using interactive training events
• Analyze production data, KPIs, and process performance to identify inefficiencies and drive improvement actions
• Develop new counterbalancing KPIs to link production, scrap, quality, safety, and attendance
• Work with IT to implement an incentive system that drives universal performance of these KPIs
• Support flow optimization, line balancing, and layout improvements within production environments
• Partner with operations to improve material flow and reduce bottlenecks across the value stream
• Conduct value stream mapping to identify current state gaps and design future state workflows
• Establish and maintain standard work and process documentation to ensure repeatability and consistency
• Support new product introductions and production scaling from a process optimization standpoint
• Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Engineering teams to drive aligned improvement initiatives
• Influence operational decision-making through data-driven insights and continuous improvement practices
• Serve as a key liaison between leadership and production teams on improvement priorities
• Train and coach supervisors, operators, and site leaders on Lean principles and continuous improvement tools
• Promote a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement across the site
• Support development of daily management systems and visual management tools
• Define, track, and report KPIs related to operational efficiency, waste reduction, and productivity
• Monitor progress of improvement initiatives and ensure sustainability of results
• Provide regular updates to site leadership on performance and impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field or equivalent Lean experience
• 5–10+ years of experience in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operations within a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience leading Kaizen events and implementing Lean methodologies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements
• Experience working in hands-on steel manufacturing environments (steel, fabrication, high-volume production preferred)
• AutoCAD and SolidWorks experience
• Must have experience in steel manufacturing such as stamping, rollforming, tube mills, slitting, or steel mills
• Preferred Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)
• Experience in steel fabrication, stamping, or solar / renewable manufacturing environments
• Experience with ERP systems and production data analytics
• Strong facilitation and influence skills across cross-functional teams
• Machine design experience
• Stamping experience