Continuous Improvement Specialist

Alcoa • Newburgh, IN

9d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Continuous Improvement Specialist at Warrick Operations, you will combine hands-on industrial experience, Lean thinking, data insight and strong people skills to support a major step-change effort. You will work closely with leaders, supervisors and employees on the plant floor, coaching teams to solve problems, strengthen daily management and sustain better ways of working. You will help advance operational excellence across Warrick Operations, with primary focus on the Potroom and Carbon Plant while supporting improvement priorities across the site. This role is not simply about solving problems for others. You will coach, facilitate and build team capability so employees can identify issues, use structured methods and become increasingly autonomous in improving performance. Success requires the ability to connect what you observe in the field with process data, influence change and adapt quickly as business priorities evolve.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in chemical, metallurgical, industrial, manufacturing or process engineering, or in business or a related field combined with relevant heavy-industry experience.
• Three to five years of experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment, with practical exposure to Lean systems and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and facilitate rather than simply provide the answer, helping operators and teams build confidence and ownership in problem solving.
• Strong communication, collaboration and change-management skills, including the confidence to engage stakeholders at different levels and gain support for a shared direction.
• Strong digital and analytical skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office tools such as Excel and PowerPoint.
• A safety-first, curious and adaptable approach, with the ability to spend meaningful time on the plant floor, compare observations with data and shift priorities in a fast-moving environment.

Nice To Haves

• Six Sigma certification is welcomed but not required.
• experience with Power BI, process software or coding is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Advance the Warrick Lean Plan through the Alcoa Business System framework, using Lean and continuous improvement methods to identify waste, improve flow and strengthen execution.
• Coach supervisors, operators and cross-functional teams in daily management practices, including shift handoffs, toolbox meetings and Daily Management System meetings.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops and structured problem-solving sessions that engage the people closest to the work, clarify root causes and build practical action plans.
• Analyze operational data and observe processes on the plant floor to identify short- and long-term opportunities, translate insights into priorities and monitor progress.
• Guide improvement initiatives using appropriate structured approaches, including process mapping, value-stream mapping, PDCA and DMAIC principles, while aligning work to site priorities.
• Lead the people side of change by communicating clearly, influencing stakeholders, adapting to changing priorities and helping teams own and sustain improvements safely.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages, including pay-for-performance variable pay as well as recognition and rewards programs
• Flexible spending accounts and generous employer contribution to the HSA
• 401(k), employer match up to 6%, additional employer retirement income contribution (no vesting period), and a nonqualified deferred compensation plan
• Holiday Pay: 10 holidays and one flexible holiday of your choice.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level