Continuous Improvement Specialist in Carlsbad, California at Pro Spot International Inc

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Leader is responsible for driving a culture of operational excellence, efficiency, and continuous optimization across all manufacturing and business processes. This role focuses on identifying inefficiencies, eliminating waste, reducing variances, and standardizing workflows using Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies. The CI Leader collaborates cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams to implement sustainable cost-reduction and throughput improvements while supporting cross-border facilities and strategic manufacturing optimization initiatives.

Job Duties:
Lean & Six Sigma Deployment: Lead the strategy, implementation, and execution of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives across production floor environments to eliminate waste and maximize yield.
Process Mapping & Value Stream Optimization: Analyze and map out complex end-to-end operational workflows (VSM) to uncover constraints, bottleneck points, material flow deficiencies, and cost-reduction opportunities.
Cross-Functional Facilitation: Organize and facilitate targeted Kaizen events and brainstorming workshops across multiple engineering, assembly, and fulfillment departments to drive team-oriented process transformations.
KPI & Metrics Ownership: Establish, track, and report on key operational performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE, cycle time reductions, defect rates, and dollar-value cost-savings targets.
Standardized Work Implementation: Formulate, document, and embed robust standardized operating work instructions and quality baseline metrics utilizing Poka-Yoke methodologies to build error-proofing directly into manufacturing processes.
Cross-Border Operational Integration: Partner with domestic and cross-border manufacturing locations to audit processes, synchronize best-practice alignment, and roll out standardized continuous improvement models facility-wide.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Partner closely with Quality Assurance to perform data-driven failure investigations, Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), and preventative risk modeling for material processing deficiencies.
Training & Mentorship: Conduct site training programs to upskill operators, engineering leads, and support staff in standard problem-solving techniques, 5S methodologies, and basic Lean toolkits.
Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel required, including the ability to travel cross-border to regional/international operational hubs and partner supplier networks.
Qualifications:
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree or technical certifications in a related field preferred. (Equivalent hands-on experience will be considered in lieu of a degree).
Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing or assembly environment with a demonstrated track record of actively participating in or leading Lean, 5S, and Kaizen initiatives and implementation.
Core Methodologies: Strong practical experience with 5S, Lean Manufacturing tools, Poka-Yoke (Error-Proofing), and participating in Kaizen / continuous improvement events.
Problem Solving: Solid understanding of basic Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and troubleshooting problems on the manufacturing floor.
Systems & Software: Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) for tracking basic metrics, or Google Docs.
Communication & Influence: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with shop floor operators, engineering teams, and management to drive positive change.
Certifications (Preferred): Lean or Six Sigma training/certifications (e.g., Yellow Belt or Green Belt) are a plus but not required.