Continuous Improvement Engineer

Continuous Improvement Engineer - People Development Lead
Department: Operations / Continuous Improvement
Reports To: Continuous Improvement Director
Location: Memphis, TN - Channel Island

Position Summary
The Continuous Engineer - People Development Lead is responsible for driving process excellence, operational efficiency, and employee engagement across the plant through structured improvement methodologies and building a robust training system. This role combines technical problem solving with people development-serving as both a CI practitioner and the manufacturing training lead. The CI Engineer - People Development Lead will develop, deliver, and sustain continuous improvement training programs that build capability at all levels, ensuring that Lean, TPM, and Six Sigma principles become part of the plant culture.
Key Responsibilities
Continuous Improvement Leadership
• Lead and facilitate improvement initiatives that deliver measurable results in safety, quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Apply Lean, TPM, and Six Sigma methodologies to identify and eliminate waste, variation, and losses within production, packaging, and support processes.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to prioritize improvement projects aligned with plant KPIs and strategic goals.
• Conduct data analysis and root cause investigations using tools such as Pareto charts, fishbone diagrams, and 5-Why analysis.
Training and Development
• Design and deliver operator and technician training on key CI tools (5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, CILs, Centerlines, etc.).
• Create visual training aids, skill matrices, and standardized work instructions to ensure knowledge retention and sustainability.
• Lead 'train-the-trainer' programs to build CI competency among line leaders and maintenance personnel.
• Support onboarding of new employees with focused CI orientation sessions.
• Measure training effectiveness through assessments, feedback, and performance metrics.
System and Culture Deployment
• Champion the development and implementation of the plant's Continuous Improvement system.
• Collaborate with leadership to embed Daily Management Systems (DMS) and Problem-Solving Routines (PSR) at all levels.
• Develop and maintain CI documentation and tracking tools (e.g., improvement pipeline, KPI dashboards, project charters).
• Facilitate regular reviews to sustain engagement and recognize achievements in the CI journey.
Metrics and Reporting
• Track and communicate key CI performance indicators (e.g., OEE, MTBF, training completion, project ROI).
• Support annual goal setting and CI maturity assessments*.
• Provide progress updates to leadership on project outcomes and capability development.
Qualifications
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field required.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or TPM experience preferred.
Experience:
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment (consumer goods or chemical industry preferred).
• Proven track record leading or supporting improvement projects with measurable impact.
• Experience delivering technical or process training to diverse audiences.
Skills & Competencies:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Excellent communication and facilitation abilities-capable of training operators through management.
• Proficient in CI tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM, SMED, Root Cause Analysis).
• Working knowledge of TPM pillars and Daily Management practices.
• Demonstrated leadership, influencing, and change-management skills.
Performance Indicators
• Number of employees trained and certified in CI methods.
• Measurable improvements in OEE, downtime and human error reduction, and process capability.
• CI project financial savings and ROI.
• Engagement scores and feedback from CI training programs.
• Sustainability of improvements (audits, DMS adherence).

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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