Job DescriptionContinuous Improvement SpecialistCincinnati, Ohio
As the
Continuous Improvement Specialist, you will be a highly analytical and driven analyst to support continuous improvement initiatives across a large-scale aerospace component repair and manufacturing operation. This role will focus on developing, implementing, and sustaining lean fundamentals and continuous improvement initiatives to drive measurable improvements in turnaround time (TAT), on-time delivery (OTD), quality, and cost.
This individual will not directly lead a team but will play a critical role influencing leaders and frontline teams, facilitating problem-solving, and ensuring disciplined execution of lean systems across the site.
What you'll do- Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives across production and support functions.
- Develop and implement lean systems including standard work, visual management, and flow.
- Analyze operational data to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
- Support reduction of turnaround time (TAT) through bottleneck analysis and process optimization.
- Drive improvements in on-time delivery (OTD) through enhanced execution and planning alignment.
- Facilitate root cause problem-solving using structured methodologies (e.g., A3, 5 Whys).
- Support implementation of daily management systems and performance boards (SPQDC).
- Partner with Production Planning to improve schedule adherence and flow.
- Conduct time studies and process mapping to identify waste and inefficiencies.
- Drive labor efficiency improvements through standardization and elimination of non-value-added work.
- Support cost reduction initiatives including reduction of cost of poor quality (COPQ).
- Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain on cross-functional improvements.
- Train and coach frontline leaders and teams on lean principles and tools.
- Ensure sustainability of improvements through audits and standard work adherence.
- Prepare and present clear data-driven insights to leadership.
Basic Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related experience.
- 2+ years of experience in an operational lead, leadership, or engineering role within a manufacturing, aerospace, or industrial environment.
- 1+ years of experience with lean tools (VSM, standard work, 5S, kaizen, etc.).
- 1+ years of proficient experience in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, or similar).
Desired Skills:- Strong foundation in lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to influence without authority and drive change across all levels.
- Highly analytical with strong problem-solving skills.
- Comfort working with data and translating insights into action.
- Experience facilitating kaizen events and improvement workshops.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Attention to detail and discipline in execution.
- Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Curiosity and a continuous learning mindset.
- Resilience and persistence in driving change.
- Strong collaboration skills across functions.
- Bias for action and results orientation.
Benefits that make life better:- Comprehensive Health and Dental insurance
- 401K with 100% company match; up to 5%
- Paid Time Off starting on day one
- Bonus opportunities
- Health & Dental Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Short- & Long-Term Disability
- Life & AD&D Insurance
- Learning & Training opportunities
