Continuous Improvement Specialist

The Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for leading and sustaining site continuous improvement efforts that improve safety, quality, service, cost, efficiency, reliability, and employee engagement. This role owns the site WAVE/cost-savings management process, including project pipeline development, savings tracking, benefit validation, governance routines, and sustained-results follow-up.

Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Training, Supply Chain, RDA, and other cross-functional teams, the Continuous Improvement Specialist will facilitate structured problem solving, strengthen standard work, improve KPI routines, support change adoption, and help build a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.

• ◆Own and manage the site WAVE/cost-savings process.
• ◆Facilitate continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality, service, cost, efficiency, reliability, waste reduction, labor utilization, and employee engagement.
• ◆Lead structured problem-solving activities, including root cause analysis, DMAIC, process mapping, waste walks, standard work reviews, corrective action follow-up, and sustainment checks.
• ◆Support Lean manufacturing routines, including 5S, Kaizen, visual management, daily management, leader standard work, workplace organization, and performance review routines.
• ◆Analyze production data, KPI trends, downtime, waste, yield, throughput, labor efficiency, action completion, and process performance to identify improvement opportunities and validate results.
• ◆Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Training, Supply Chain, RDA, and site leadership to prioritize improvement efforts and align resources.
• ◆Support RDA and commercialization activities by connecting trials, new product learnings, process observations, and post-run feedback to actionable improvement opportunities.
• ◆Develop and maintain CI tools, dashboards, trackers, action plans, standard work, SOP updates, one-point lessons, training materials, and communication materials.
• ◆Coach employees and leaders on continuous improvement behaviors and performance ownership.
• ◆Support safety, food safety, quality, GMP, PPE, and workplace organization requirements.

and skills

• ✓Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, Food Science, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent manufacturing or operations experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• ✓2–5 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, continuous improvement, Lean initiatives, quality systems, commercialization support, project management, or process improvement environments.
• ✓Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• ✓Experience supporting cost-savings initiatives, project pipelines, productivity programs, KPI management, action tracking, benefit validation, or operational performance reporting.
• ✓Strong analytical, communication, facilitation, coaching, project management, and organizational skills.
• ✓Ability to collaborate cross-functionally across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Training, Supply Chain, and RDA.
• ✓Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data analysis tools.
• ✓Knowledge of workplace safety requirements, GMPs, PPE standards, food safety systems, and quality expectations.

• ✓Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Practitioner, or other Continuous Improvement certification.
• ✓Experience leading or supporting WAVE, cost-savings, productivity, operational excellence, or benefit validation processes.
• ✓Experience facilitating Kaizen events, 5S programs, standard work implementation, root cause analysis workshops, visual management systems, or daily management routines.

The pay range for this position is $63,000 - $103,425 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on November 2, 2026.

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and employment decisions are made by human recruitment and leadership teams.