Continuous Improvement & Training Specialist – OPEX

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement & Training Specialist is an individual contributor role responsible for driving operational efficiency waste reduction and workforce capability development within a manufacturing environment. This role partners with production quality engineering and HR teams to implement Lean manufacturing initiatives while designing and delivering training that supports process adoption and employee skill development. The Specialist ensures improvements are sustained through standard work effective training and measurable performance outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen methodologies.
• Identifyandeliminatewaste in manufacturing processes.
• FacilitateKaizen events Gemba walks and root cause analysis sessions.
• Improve safety quality delivery and cost performance on the production floor.
• Develop and implement standard work visual management and 5S practices.
• Analyze production metrics such as OEE scrap downtime and cycle time.
• Drive sustainable process improvements and ensure adoption across teams.
• Design and deliver training programs for operators supervisors and team leads.
• Create structured onboarding and upskilling programs for manufacturing roles.
• Develop training materials including SOPs job aids and visual work instructions.
• Facilitatehands-on and classroom-style training sessions.
• Coach employeesoncontinuous improvement tools and problem-solving techniques.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through observations assessments and performance data.
• Partner with P&O COE team and leadership toidentifyskill gaps and training needs.
• Support change management and reinforce learning through on-the-job application.
• Track training completion skill progression and workforce capability metrics.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning on the production floor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Manufacturing Operations HR/P&O or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 37 years of experience in manufacturing continuous improvement or training roles.
• Hands-on experience with Lean manufacturing tools (Kaizen 5S value stream mapping).
• Experiencefacilitatingtraining in a production or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs (OEE scrap yield cycle time).
• Strong facilitation coaching and communication skills.
• Ability to influence and engage employees at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiencyin Excel Power BI or similar tools.

Essential Job Functions

• Regular and on-time attendance.
• Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to stand/walk the production floor for extended periods
• Ability to facilitate group training sessions

Perks & Benefits

Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical dental and vision coverage 401k matching and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 14 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave life insurance short & long-term disability on-site gym access health & wellbeing center on-site café walking trails tuition assistance and more!

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