Strategic Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement Specialist

IMEC Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center • Chicago, IL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Strategic Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement Specialist is a hands-on advisor who leads the implementation of operational improvement solutions for manufacturers across Illinois. As a subject matter expert, this role delivers high-impact strategic operational improvement solutions tailored to client needs. This role will lead client teams to changes resulting in measurable impacts, ensuring sustainable improvements in client performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3+ years of experience working with manufacturing companies, including leadership, operational performance improvement, or consulting responsibilities.
• Strong background in manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, operational excellence, consulting, or related field.
• Must reside in Illinois
• Work authorization required. IMEC is unable to sponsor visas for this role.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual collaboration platforms
• Willingness to travel across the state and work in both remote and onsite environments

Nice To Haves

• Master’s preferred.
• Experience working with small and mid-sized manufacturers is preferred.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing technology or automation is strongly desired.

Responsibilities

• Engage with manufacturers to understand their operational challenges and design appropriate solutions.
• Provide strategic guidance, technical support, training and coaching based on client needs and area(s) of specialization.
• Develop proposals and solution plans in collaboration with Regional Managers
• Manage and execute client project engagements, from planning through implementation and outcome tracking, applying Lean and continuous improvement methodologies to improve operational performance, including: Lean Policy Deployment, Lean Daily Management, Lean tools and methodologies, including 5S and Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, Other continuous improvement practices aligned to client needs
• Serve as a trusted advisor and technical lead throughout the client engagement lifecycle
• Contribute to the development and improvement of solutions offered by IMEC.
• Provide thought leadership in operational improvement through webinars, public speaking, and published articles.
• Support the development of third-party resources and strategic partnerships.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• Up to 8% employer 401(k) match
• 5 weeks of PTO to start, with increased accrual based on years of service
• 10 paid holidays plus an annual year-end organizational closure
• Company-paid life, AD&D, and disability coverage

What This Job Offers

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