Sr Continuous Improvement Specialist

CSL•Kankakee, IL

7d•$103,000 - $122,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for identifying CI improvement opportunities, facilitating the Tier 1 CI process and driving execution of continuous improvement activities across manufacturing operations. The role coordinates CI project prioritization and resourcing and executes CI projects under guidance to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency. This position performs data collection and analysis to support evidence‑based decision making, leads and supports Kaizen events and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) activities, and drives local‑level improvements aligned with site CI objectives. The Senior CI Specialist also owns change controls associated with CI initiatives, ensuring improvements are implemented in compliance with approved change management and quality system requirements. This is an on-site position 5 days/week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (Engineering or Science)
5+ years of experience in GxP-regulated manufacturing (pharma, biotech, or medical device)
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent
Knowledge of (People) Change Management methodologies
Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly across all organizational levels.
Ability to influence without direct authority, building alignment through expertise, data, and credibility.
Effective facilitator of cross‑functional teams, able to remain neutral, manage differing perspectives, and drive decisions and outcomes.
Advanced analytical and structured problem‑solving skills, applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to complex business challenges with statistical analysis and data visualization capabilities.
Results‑oriented execution capability, managing multiple priorities while driving measurable outcomes and accountability.
Strong organizational, time‑management, and decision‑making skills in dynamic, matrixed environments.
Collaborative mindset, building bridges across functions and leveraging networks to share best practices and accelerate improvement.
Strong problem-solving capabilities, with expertise in DMAIC methodology and ability to lead teams in complex problem-solving.
Effective project management and project portfolio management skills, with ability to manage a matrixed resource pool to complete improvements effectively and efficiently.
Working understanding of manufacturing finances and ability to develop business cases and assess financial project impact.

Nice To Haves

Project management experience preferred

Responsibilities

Facilitates the Tier 1 Continuous Improvement (CI) process, ensuring consistent application of daily CI practices.
Contributes to the Tier 2 Continuous Improvement (CI) process and ensures Tier 1 CI projects are in alignment with Tier 2 and site level priorities.
Supports frontline teams in identifying, prioritizing, and resolving local improvement opportunities.
Coordinates CI project prioritization and resourcing efforts in collaboration with CI leadership and functional stakeholders.
Executes CI projects under guidance, ensuring adherence to approved scope, timelines, and objectives.
Supports delivery of sustainable improvements aligned with safety, quality, and efficiency targets.
Performs data collection, validation, and analysis to support problem solving and decision making.
Uses data to identify trends, confirm root causes, and measure improvement impact.
Support development of metrics and visual management tools.
Leads and support Kaizen events, workshops, and continuous improvement activities.
Supports Value Stream Mapping (VSM) efforts to identify waste, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
Assists teams in translating Kaizen and VSM outcomes into actionable improvement plans.
Drives local‑level improvements that enhance safety performance, quality outcomes, and operational efficiency.
Ensures CI initiatives improve process reliability, right‑first‑time performance, and waste reduction.
Balances efficiency improvements with regulatory compliance and product quality expectations.
Partners with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and CI teams to support improvement efforts.
Communicates progress, risks, and outcomes of CI activities to stakeholders.
Shares best practices and lessons learned across teams.
Promotes a culture of structured problem solving, continuous improvement, and accountability.
Supports CI capability development by coaching team members on CI tools and methodologies.
Contributes to standardization and continuous enhancement of CI processes and practices.
Completes any other duties/responsibilities assigned by senior management.