Lean Specialist - Shelton, CT

Job Overview

As a Continuous Improvement & Lean Specialist, you will be the driving force behind operational excellence across our facilities and business units. In this role, you’ll lead transformative Lean initiatives, champion a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure our teams are equipped to deliver world-class performance.

You will manage Kaizen Office (KPO) resources to advance strategic goals and foster collaboration across the organization. Your efforts will shape the design, implementation, and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing practices that elevate safety, quality, delivery, and cost efficiency.

As a true change agent, you’ll facilitate impactful Kaizen events, coach cross-functional teams, and guide the deployment of our Manufacturing System—empowering people and processes to achieve breakthrough results. You will report to our Continuous Improvement Manager. 

A Day In The Life

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, including pre-work planning, charter development, agenda creation, execution, and post-event follow-up to ensure goals are achieved.
• Design and implement Lean tools and methodologies such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kanban, SMED, TPM, Hoshin Kanri, and Policy Deployment.
• Support the deployment of the Manufacturing System across the organization through training, coaching, and hands-on execution.
• Identify and support productivity improvement projects across multiple sites and teams.
• Monitor, measure, and communicate process performance; define and coordinate corrective actions.
• Manage Kaizen Promotion Office (KPO) resources to align with organizational goals.
• Be a point of contact with external entities regarding lean Manufacturing.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by motivating and empowering employees at all levels
• Identify improvement opportunities and consistently deliver measurable results.

What will help you thrive in this role?

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Operations (advanced degree or certifications such as Lean Six Sigma or PMP preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years' experience applying Lean Manufacturing principles in a production environment.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in organizational-level project planning and execution.
• Strong problem-solving skills using structured methodologies.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and training abilities to engage and influence teams at all levels.
• Proficiency in systems and process auditing to ensure compliance and efficiency. 
• Familiarity with digial tools for process improivement, including digital dashboards, workflow automation.
• Ability to travel 60-70% across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing and assembly environments.
• Familiarity with digital transformation or Industry 4.0 experience.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) candidates preferred. 

Other Tools/Systems of Importance:

• Lean Manufacturing Principles (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, SMED)
• Six Sigma Methodology (DMAIC, statistical analysis, root cause analysis)
• Project Management Tools (e.g., Gantt charts, Kanban boards, Agile/Scrum frameworks)
• Data Analysis & Visualization.
• ERP System Experience (SAP)
• Proficient Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerBI, Sharepoint)
• Process Mapping Tools (e.g., Visio, Lucidchart)
• Time and Motion Study Techniques
• Cost-Benefit Analysis & ROI Calculations