Continuous Improvement Specialist

Nippon Paint Automotive Americas, Inc. • Lansing, IL

5d

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Specialist will lead and drive sustainable continuous improvement initiatives across NPAA, delivering measurable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC). This role partners closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, implement effective solutions, and sustain results while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence throughout the organization.

The Specialist leads 5S and cross-functional improvement projects; conducts operational studies; develops and implements plans to improve operating methods, processes, and business performance; and facilitates Kaizen activities. The role uses Lean and Six Sigma methodologies and statistical analysis to identify root causes, solve problems, eliminate waste, evaluate performance, and support data-driven decisions.

The position also develops and monitors KPIs, prepares monthly KPI reports, tracks quality management system areas, documents project results, maintains project records, identifies relevant best practices, and presents findings and recommendations to management and cross-functional teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field preferred, or equivalent working experience.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of IATF16949 and/or ISO9001 standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Proven success in project management and ability to implement business process improvements affecting multiple departments.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to be flexible in a dynamic environment.
• Successful leadership track record.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly motivated self-starter able to work with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Training and certification in process improvement techniques, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma.
• SAP experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPAA’s 5S initiative, promoting workplace organization, standardization, safety, and operational discipline.
• Lead cross-functional projects to analyze, design, and optimize sequences of operations, workflows, and business processes.
• Conduct operational studies focused on cost control, cost reduction, inventory management, productivity, and production record systems.
• Develop and implement plans and programs to improve operating methods, processes, and overall business performance.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions that enhance quality, efficiency, productivity, and cost effectiveness.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement activities across all areas of the business.
• Lead and participate in improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to identify root causes, solve complex problems, eliminate waste, and build sustainable capabilities.
• Apply statistical data analysis techniques to evaluate operational performance, identify trends, assess process variation, and support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret operational and quality data to identify performance gaps, determine root causes, and recommend process improvements.
• Develop, monitor, and maintain KPIs aligned with organizational goals, operational objectives, and continuous improvement priorities.
• Prepare and distribute monthly KPI reports that provide insights into performance trends, improvement opportunities, and progress toward goals; collaborate with stakeholders on corrective actions and performance improvement.
• Monitor, trend, and improve quality management system areas, including change control, customer feedback and complaints, investigations, deviations, and on-time delivery.
• Identify and share best practices from Nippon Group companies, industry standards, and other relevant sources.
• Document and measure before-and-after conditions for continuous improvement projects to demonstrate impact, effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation, tracking logs, metrics, KPI reports, and status reports for active and completed projects.
• Present project findings, statistical analysis, KPI results, and improvement recommendations to management and cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Annual merit increases and an annual incentive bonus plan.
• 11 paid holidays each year and paid time off.
• Comprehensive health and welfare plans.
• 401(k) program with a company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee recognition programs.
• Opportunities to grow within the organization.
• Company events throughout the year.

What This Job Offers

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