Continuous Improvement Specialist
Illuminate USA
Please provide a summary of your job or research. What is an average day like? What are some duties performed?
A Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for analyzing and improving business processes to optimize performance. They work closely with various teams to identify opportunities for improvement, implement changes, and ensure sustained enhancements.
A typical day might involve working on the production floor to support Kaizen activities, analyzing data to identify process inefficiencies, and collaborating with departments and team members to implement and monitor improvements. Kaizen and Lean Six Sigma are ways of improving working practices, personal efficiency, and quality, so my job leans heavily on these concepts.
Key Responsibilities:
• Identify Opportunities: Analyze current processes to find areas for improvement, waste reduction, and cost savings.
• Implement Changes: Plan, facilitate, and execute continuous improvement activities using methodologies like Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen.
• Training and Coaching: Educate and mentor employees on continuous improvement techniques and methodologies.
• Project Management: Lead cross-functional teams in improvement projects, managing timelines, and resources.
• Data Analysis: Use data analysis tools to monitor the effectiveness of implemented changes and document results.
• Reporting: Present progress reports and outcomes of improvement initiatives to senior management.
What is your educational background and what prompted you to go this direction?
I studied archaeology in Ohio and then marine biology and oceanography in California. My side research has been in astacology, the study of crayfish, with a focus on taxonomy research. During my time studying in California, I started a small horticultural business. While working in this field I invented and patented a method of propagating plants via ultrasonic fog. This led me into the world of manufacturing where I found my calling. I enjoy the fast-spaced atmosphere with many diverse problems to solve and a community of people to help.
What have you struggled with or overcome in your educational path or life path to get to this point?
I have personally struggled with narrowing down my focus. I have studied and worked in various fields as well as owning a few different small businesses throughout my life and tend to find enjoyment in many diverse things. What I realized through this journey is that I like to make a difference, whether that be in helping people to grow and learn, finding solutions to environmental issues, or helping to solve a pressing issue. This is why I enjoy manufacturing on a large scale, it checks all those boxes.
What is the best part of your job/research?
Helping to create a program that will have far reaching and long-lasting implications for the growth and function of the largest solar module manufacturing company in the western hemisphere. I also love working with so many intelligent and knowledgeable people. It’s like a little village where we help make the world a better place through industry.
What is the worst part?
For me the worst part of this position is the necessary bureaucracy to implement significant change. While I understand the need, delays can be frustrating.
What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Working with a company that is dedicated to implementing new technology and watching how our efforts translate into real world efficiency improvements for the business as well as happiness and quality of life improvements for the workers. This has always been my favorite aspect of horticulture as well. I thoroughly enjoy watching the fruits of labor grow and blossom.
What has changed about your profession in the past ten years?
Involving safety in the equation. This has helped to make the workplace better organized for the health and happiness of the front-line worker.
What do you think will change in the next ten?
With the advent of AI and robotics the landscape is likely to change drastically in ways that will improve efficiency, safety, and productivity to a great degree.
