Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist

Work Location: ​DeKalb​

Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. Schedules may vary and are subject to change.

Want to make an impact?

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist drives production, warehouse, processing, and packaging activities, with a focus on CI Initiatives, to achieve the safety, quality, customer service, and cost goals. The individual needs to collaborate closely with the other departments to achieve project objectives aligned with the business needs. In this role, the individual will be responsible to drive Continuous Improvement tools across the business such as Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).

Ways you will make a difference

• Identifying, chartering, and leading CI improvement initiatives by providing project updates to the factory leadership team and project stakeholders highlighting the status, adherence to the project time plan, work accomplished, quick wins, points of escalation, elements of risk and the associated mitigation plans.


• Utilize continuous improvement tools and methodologies (RCA, DMAIC, Loss Tree Analysis, IPA, etc.) to drive sustainable operational improvements.


• Collect and analyze data and operating conditions; implement changes and follow-up on results by involving key responsible people (i.e. sponsor, process owner, and operator).


• Carry out follow-up programs to maintain the achieved savings, additional training, detect further savings opportunities, as well as ensure the overall continuity of projects.


• Participate in annual budget process to assess all run rate efficiencies, nominal speeds, and scrap values by component.


• Work collaboratively with product development, marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations to bring new products to market and meet the defined project objectives.


• Ensure that factory safety, operational and quality standards are adhered to.


• Facilitate improvements in hourly workforce proficiency, training, and development programs. Interacts with other department heads to exchange information impacting productivity performance.


• Escalate issues in a timely manner.


• Measure and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong project management skills, including excellent planning and organizational skills.


• Proficient in hi-speed packaging and process equipment application/design, process development


• Knowledgeable in continuous improvement techniques, including but not limited to TPM, Lean Six Sigma, DMAIC.


• Must be able to work in and add value to a fast paced, high stress manufacturing environment.


• People skills (coaching/counseling, motivation, performance, employee, relations, etc.) in hourly and staff team-building skills, both inter and intra department.


• Creative, highly motivated, and self-starting.


• Exceptional analytical, root-cause-analysis, and decision-making abilities


• Effective written and verbal communication/presentation skills


• Computer literate, Microsoft Office, Advanced Microsoft Excel


• Physical Requirements - Ability to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop and reach.

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, preferred majors include industrial engineering, engineering, finance


• Two years of experience in manufacturing preferred.


• Lean Six Sigma background. LSS Green Belt preferred but not required.


• Ability to work periodically on any shift, per individual project requirements.


• Knowledge of SAP.


• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) experience

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO).  Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $71,100 - $99,540 annually.