Continuous Improvement Specialist

Avient • Holden, MA

3d

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for leading site-wide
training governance, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and
coordinating onboarding and capability-building activities across all functions.
This role combines operational training ownership, Lean/Six Sigma coordination,
and comprehensive management of site skill development systems. The Specialist
ensures training standardization, supports CI cultural maturity, and
collaborates closely with site leadership, supervisors, and new hires to ensure
a capable and productive workforce.

Responsibilities

• APEX / Continuous Improvement Administration
• Maintain and update APEX-related tools, dashboards, and training content.
• Track and report CI metrics, baselines, action items, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate CI-related meetings, follow-up actions, and site-level improvement activities.
• Support standard work creation and sustainment for APEX processes.
• Partner with CI leadership to integrate improvements into training and onboarding.
• Lean Six Sigma (LSS) & CI Program Support
• Organize and coordinate site Kaizen, Lean, and Six Sigma projects including logistics, scheduling, documentation, and follow-up.
• Support LSS training, refresher sessions, and workshop facilitation.
• Assist CI leaders and project teams with data gathering, analysis, and reporting.
• Maintain LSS project pipeline, tracker, and certification documentation.
• Ensure project charters, SIPOCs, process maps, and action logs are properly stored and version-controlled.
• Site Training Governance
• Own and maintain site Skill Matrices, including updates, audits, version control, and reporting.
• Oversee training document control: work instructions, job aids, SOPs, one-point lessons, and training videos.
• Administer and track site certifications, qualifications, and regulatory training requirements.
• Partner with Supervisors and Leads to ensure training plans remain current and accurate for each position.
• Conduct periodic audits of training effectiveness, documentation accuracy, and skills progression.
• Support Job Safety Analysis (JSA) creation and updates where required.
• Training Delivery & Content Development
• Develop, update, and deliver training materials using multiple methods: classroom, 1:1 training, demonstrations, videos, and job shadowing.
• Facilitate Train-the-Trainer sessions for Leads and SMEs.
• Create engaging, standardized training content and presentations for operational roles.
• Build assessment tools to measure knowledge retention and effectiveness of training.
• Observe floor-level performance and provide coaching, feedback, and supplemental training.
• New Hire Onboarding Coordination
• Manage all Week 1 onboarding activities for hourly hires.
• Coordinate cross-functional training schedules, introductions, plant tours, and required certifications.
• Ensure timely delivery of safety, production, and quality onboarding content.
• Track progress for the first 6 months and adjust training plans in partnership with Supervisors.
• Maintain onboarding supplies, documentation, and communication with recruiters and hiring managers.
• Reporting & Metrics
• Prepare daily/weekly/monthly training and CI scorecards.
• Track completion rates, skill attainment progress, CI action closure, and onboarding KPIs.
• Provide data-driven insights to site leadership for training and workforce planning.
• General Responsibilities
• Spend consistent time on the production floor to assess training needs and observe processes.
• Administer training documentation, records management, and version control.
• Participate in required workshops, audits, and site initiatives.
• Support interview coordination as needed.
• Perform other duties related to training, continuous improvement, or onboarding, as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed