Continuous Improvement Specialist

Overview

Join Kohler Co. as a Continuous Improvement Specialist in Sheridan, Arkansas, working onsite to drive Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence practices. This role acts as a catalyst for change by collaborating with multiple departments including Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Leadership to enhance safety, quality, delivery, cost efficiency, and employee engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate training sessions, Kaizen workshops, value stream mapping, and redesign processes across operational areas.
• Utilize Lean methodologies such as 5S, Standard Work, SMED, Kanban, Poka-Yoke, and eliminate waste strategically.
• Oversee plant layout redesigns, implementing updates to current and future layouts holistically.
• Manage and execute the Lean/Continuous Improvement strategy aligned with corporate objectives, KPIs, and organizational culture evolution.
• Develop and sustain Lean Management Systems including Daily Management, Standard Work, Visual Management, and Leader Standard Work.
• Conduct root cause analysis to resolve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity challenges with corrective measures.
• Provide coaching and mentorship in Lean principles to operators, engineers, supervisors, and leadership personnel.
• Communicate project progress, outcomes, and insights effectively to stakeholders and executive management.
• Employ data-driven problem-solving methods such as A3, DMAIC, and 8D to validate improvements and ensure ongoing success.
• Assist in creating dashboards and visual management tools to support evidence-based decision making at all organizational levels.
• Collaborate with Operations and Quality teams to enhance first-pass yield, process consistency, and reduce defects.
• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Sourcing to optimize material flow, presentation, and comprehensive value streams.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by empowering employees with problem-solving capabilities integrated into daily operations.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline is required.
• At least two years' experience as an engineer specializing in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence within manufacturing or operational contexts is preferred.
• Proven track record facilitating Kaizen events and coaching cross-level teams.
• Strong analytical aptitude complemented by excellent communication and change management proficiency.
• Competency in software such as AutoCAD, Power BI, Microsoft Office Suite, and Minitab.

Additional Information

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship needs. Kohler offers immediate access to benefits starting from day one of employment, with no waiting period. The salary range for this role spans from $92,400 to $141,000 annually, influenced by the candidate’s experience, education, and work location. This position also qualifies for performance-based bonuses and variable incentive compensation.

Why Kohler?

Kohler is committed to empowering associates through a comprehensive total rewards package focused on health, wellbeing, career development, diversity, inclusion, and innovation. With a global team exceeding 30,000 leaders, Kohler pursues a mission to promote gracious, healthy, and sustainable living.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kohler is dedicated to hiring qualified applicants without discrimination based on race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Applicants with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations during the hiring process are encouraged to reach out as specified.