Staff Continuous Improvement Professional

General Summary

This role leads operational excellence initiatives while enabling practical, responsible use of AI across the manufacturing organization. Identifies opportunities to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve service levels through the Crayola Operating System (Safety, Quality, Operational Excellence, Maintenance Excellence).

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Work directly with department leader(s) (VP, GM, Directors, etc.) to implement the Crayola Operating System in assigned areas of coaching (within & outside Operations)
• Coach Crayola Operating System for 100+ employees.
• Project Manage 20+ improvement projects (planning what projects to execute through completion & benefit tracking).
• Lead teams in cross-functional work processes, root cause process issues, extended value streams and supply chains that directly impact goal of $2,000,000.
• Lead and manage a portfolio of continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, cost, service, and risk reduction.
• Analyze current-state processes, identify root causes of performance gaps, and design scalable improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
• Work with CI Professionals and organization managers on standard work, standard work audits, standard work results & standard work improvement.
• Facilitate workshops, value stream mapping sessions, and cross-functional problem-solving efforts to improve workflows and decision-making.
• Partner with operations stakeholders to identify high-value AI use cases and prioritize opportunities based on impact, feasibility, and risk.
• Support the evaluation, pilot, and rollout of AI-enabled tools and automations that improve productivity, accuracy, and user experience.
• Coach teams and leaders on continuous improvement disciplines, data-driven decision-making, and practical application of AI in day-to-day operations.

Job Specifications

• Minimum 5 years of Continuous Improvement experience
• Able to work 8+ hours on second and/or third shift per week
• Experience supporting technology adoption, automation, analytics, or AI-related initiatives in a business environment
• Black Belt Certification preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Proven leadership in a cross-functional team environment
• Demonstrated problem-solving capability
• Able to engage in positive critical thinking and take proactive actions
• Demonstrates exceptional communication skills
• Strong computer skills including Minitab, Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, SharePoint and PowerPoint
• Able to travel domestic/internationally 10-15%