Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Specialist

About the role

The Continuous Improvement Specialist supports projects across PLZ Corp by helping identify, coordinate, and implement process improvements that improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency. The position will assist with Vorne, GainSeeker, and eMaint systems, while also supporting a variety of Lean initiatives, data collection efforts, and standard work improvements across the organization. This position is remote (preferred candidate will reside in the Midwest) with up to 75% travel.

Key responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement projects by assisting with project planning, data collection, implementation tracking, and follow-up activities.
• Assist with Lean initiatives such as 5S, standard work, visual management, waste reduction, root cause analysis, and process improvement activities.
• Provide support for Vorne, GainSeeker, and eMaint systems, including data entry, report generation, user assistance, basic troubleshooting, and system documentation.
• Compile, analyze, and summarize operational data to help identify trends, improvement opportunities, and project performance results.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, safety, and other cross-functional teams to support improvement activities and sustain implemented changes.
• Create and maintain project documentation, action item trackers, training materials, standard work documents, and other continuous improvement records.
• Participate in Kaizen events, problem-solving sessions, audits, and follow-up reviews to help drive engagement and accountability across improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Must be willing to travel approximately 50% - 75% of the time.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, operations, maintenance, quality, or continuous improvement preferred.
• Basic understanding of Lean principles, including 5S, standard work, waste reduction, visual management, and problem-solving methods.
• Experience using or willingness to learn Vorne, GainSeeker, eMaint, and other operational data or maintenance management systems.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and summarize data to support project updates, performance tracking, and improvement decisions.
• Strong communication, organization, attention to detail, and follow-up skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, support project timelines, and adapt to changing business needs in a fast-paced environment.

Work environment & physical requirements

• Remote role with up to 75% travel to PLZ manufacturing sites. The preferred candidate would be located in the midwest region of the United States.
• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments, including regular interaction with production, maintenance, quality, and operations teams.
• Role may require time on the plant floor to observe processes, collect data, support Lean activities, participate in Kaizen events, and assist with implementation of improvement actions.
• Must follow all site safety requirements and may be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment while in manufacturing or warehouse areas.
• Requires frequent use of a computer and business systems, including data entry, report generation, document preparation, and communication through Microsoft Office applications.
• May require standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving throughout production areas for extended periods while supporting projects or conducting observations.
• Frequent travel (up to 75%) to other PLZ locations may be required to support continuous improvement projects, system implementations, training, or best practice sharing.

Compensation

• Base pay ranges from $65,000/year in the lowest geographic market up to $85,000/year in the highest geographic market, varying based on market location and job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits.
• Company paid Life and Short-Term disability.
• Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, and hospital/accident insurance.
• 401k & company provided match.
• Paid Time Off.
• Bonus incentive programs (subject to program rules, with awards depending on various factors including individual and organizational performance).