New

Continuous Improvement Specialist

Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc.
United States, Minnesota, Hamel
3900 Arrowhead Drive (Show on map)
Apr 28, 2026
Job Title: Continuous Improvement Specialist FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Quality Assurance 6600 Reports to: Director, Global Quality and Continuous Improvement *This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship* GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE: The Continuous Improvement Specialist leads and delivers measurable improvement initiatives across the OEM Sales & Service business, driving performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customer satisfaction. This role partners with cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, and execute high-impact projects using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. The position is accountable for achieving sustained performance improvements through data-driven decision making, standardized processes, and alignment with the Quality Management System (QMS). ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Continuous Improvement Execution Lead and deliver continuous improvement projects across OEM value streams Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and process optimization initiatives Identify and eliminate waste, variation, and inefficiencies across processes Data Analysis & Performance Management Analyze operational and financial data to identify trends and improvement opportunities Develop and maintain performance dashboards and KPI tracking (e.g., Power BI) Quantify and report improvement results, including cost savings and productivity gains Support alignment of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 performance metrics Problem Solving & Corrective Action Lead structured root cause analysis using methodologies such as 8D, A3, and 5 Whys Support and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to ensure sustainable solutions Verify effectiveness of implemented actions and ensure long-term stability Partner with Quality and Operations teams to address systemic issues Process Standardization & QMS Alignment Develop and implement standardized work, procedures, and best practices Ensure improvement initiatives align with QMS requirements, including ISO 9001 principles Support internal audits, management review inputs, and continuous improvement requirements Drive consistency and best practice sharing across sites and functions Change Management & Capability Building Champion a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization Train, coach, and mentor employees on Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools Support change management efforts to ensure adoption and sustainability of improvements Build capability within teams to independently drive improvement initiatives Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Field Service teams Engage leadership and process owners to prioritize and execute improvement initiatives Collaborate with global teams to share best practices and drive alignment Support supplier improvement initiatives as required REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing, service, or industrial operations. Proven experience leading continuous improvement initiatives with measurable results. Experience implementing Lean Six Sigma and quality improvement methodologies. Licenses/Certifications: Six Sigma Green Belt (required or in progress). Ability to obtain and maintain railroad safety training and certifications. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Advanced Degree (MBA or equivalent) Experience: Experience working in cross-functional and/or global environments preferred. Six Sigma Black Belt. Lean Certification. American Society for Quality Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving tools Strong data analysis skills (Excel, Power BI, or equivalent tools) Experience with ERP systems (e.g., IFS) and business process workflows Familiarity with Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001 standards Strong analytical and critical thinking skills Change leadership and influence without authority Effective communication and facilitation across all organizational levels Results-oriented with strong execution discipline Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Collaborative mindset with a focus on continuous learning and improvement PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: This position requires successful completion of the following: Social Security Verification: The individual's name must correspond to their Social Security number and date of birth. Drug and Alcohol Testing: All applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-incident drug and/or alcohol testing in compliance with federal regulations and company policy. A nationwide, federal, and state criminal background check will be conducted. Up to a seven-year history will be considered, including incarceration or court supervision. Findings will be reviewed relative to the position requirements. Employment Verification: Current and prior relevant employment experience will be verified to confirm the candidate meets the minimum required years of experience for the position. Education Verification: Post-secondary education at the associate degree level or higher will be verified, including degree(s) earned and dates of completion. WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office deskwork, requiring sitting, walking, using phone & computer May lift up to 30 lbs. occasionally 5% or more travel including international Can tolerate variable and sometimes challenging conditions during visits or inspections of company equipment in a railroad environment. Job Title: Continuous Improvement Specialist FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Quality Assurance 6600 Reports to: Director, Global Quality and Continuous Improvement *This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship* GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE: The Continuous Improvement Specialist leads and delivers measurable improvement initiatives across the OEM Sales & Service business, driving performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customer satisfaction. This role partners with cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, and execute high-impact projects using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. The position is accountable for achieving sustained performance improvements through data-driven decision making, standardized processes, and alignment with the Quality Management System (QMS). ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Continuous Improvement Execution Lead and deliver continuous improvement projects across OEM value streams Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and process optimization initiatives Identify and eliminate waste, variation, and inefficiencies across processes Data Analysis & Performance Management Analyze operational and financial data to identify trends and improvement opportunities Develop and maintain performance dashboards and KPI tracking (e.g., Power BI) Quantify and report improvement results, including cost savings and productivity gains Support alignment of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 performance metrics Problem Solving & Corrective Action Lead structured root cause analysis using methodologies such as 8D, A3, and 5 Whys Support and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to ensure sustainable solutions Verify effectiveness of implemented actions and ensure long-term stability Partner with Quality and Operations teams to address systemic issues Process Standardization & QMS Alignment Develop and implement standardized work, procedures, and best practices Ensure improvement initiatives align with QMS requirements, including ISO 9001 principles Support internal audits, management review inputs, and continuous improvement requirements Drive consistency and best practice sharing across sites and functions Change Management & Capability Building Champion a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization Train, coach, and mentor employees on Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools Support change management efforts to ensure adoption and sustainability of improvements Build capability within teams to independently drive improvement initiatives Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Field Service teams Engage leadership and process owners to prioritize and execute improvement initiatives Collaborate with global teams to share best practices and drive alignment Support supplier improvement initiatives as required REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing, service, or industrial operations. Proven experience leading continuous improvement initiatives with measurable results. Experience implementing Lean Six Sigma and quality improvement methodologies. Licenses/Certifications: Six Sigma Green Belt (required or in progress). Ability to obtain and maintain railroad safety training and certifications. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Advanced Degree (MBA or equivalent) Experience: Experience working in cross-functional and/or global environments preferred. Six Sigma Black Belt. Lean Certification. American Society for Quality Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving tools Strong data analysis skills (Excel, Power BI, or equivalent tools) Experience with ERP systems (e.g., IFS) and business process workflows Familiarity with Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001 standards Strong analytical and critical thinking skills Change leadership and influence without authority Effective communication and facilitation across all organizational levels Results-oriented with strong execution discipline Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Collaborative mindset with a focus on continuous learning and improvement PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: This position requires successful completion of the following: Social Security Verification: The individual's name must correspond to their Social Security number and date of birth. Drug and Alcohol Testing: All applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-incident drug and/or alcohol testing in compliance with federal regulations and company policy. A nationwide, federal, and state criminal background check will be conducted. Up to a seven-year history will be considered, including incarceration or court supervision. Findings will be reviewed relative to the position requirements. Employment Verification: Current and prior relevant employment experience will be verified to confirm the candidate meets the minimum required years of experience for the position. Education Verification: Post-secondary education at the associate degree level or higher will be verified, including degree(s) earned and dates of completion. WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office deskwork, requiring sitting, walking, using phone & computer May lift up to 30 lbs. occasionally 5% or more travel including international Can tolerate variable and sometimes challenging conditions during visits or inspections of company equipment in a railroad environment. Job Title: Continuous Improvement Specialist FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Quality Assurance 6600 Reports to: Director, Global Quality and Continuous Improvement *This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship* GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE: The Continuous Improvement Specialist leads and delivers measurable improvement initiatives across the OEM Sales & Service business, driving performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customer satisfaction. This role partners with cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, and execute high-impact projects using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. The position is accountable for achieving sustained performance improvements through data-driven decision making, standardized processes, and alignment with the Quality Management System (QMS). ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Continuous Improvement Execution Lead and deliver continuous improvement projects across OEM value streams Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and process optimization initiatives Identify and eliminate waste, variation, and inefficiencies across processes Data Analysis & Performance Management Analyze operational and financial data to identify trends and improvement opportunities Develop and maintain performance dashboards and KPI tracking (e.g., Power BI) Quantify and report improvement results, including cost savings and productivity gains Support alignment of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 performance metrics Problem Solving & Corrective Action Lead structured root cause analysis using methodologies such as 8D, A3, and 5 Whys Support and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to ensure sustainable solutions Verify effectiveness of implemented actions and ensure long-term stability Partner with Quality and Operations teams to address systemic issues Process Standardization & QMS Alignment Develop and implement standardized work, procedures, and best practices Ensure improvement initiatives align with QMS requirements, including ISO 9001 principles Support internal audits, management review inputs, and continuous improvement requirements Drive consistency and best practice sharing across sites and functions Change Management & Capability Building Champion a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization Train, coach, and mentor employees on Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools Support change management efforts to ensure adoption and sustainability of improvements Build capability within teams to independently drive improvement initiatives Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Field Service teams Engage leadership and process owners to prioritize and execute improvement initiatives Collaborate with global teams to share best practices and drive alignment Support supplier improvement initiatives as required REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing, service, or industrial operations. Proven experience leading continuous improvement initiatives with measurable results. Experience implementing Lean Six Sigma and quality improvement methodologies. Licenses/Certifications: Six Sigma Green Belt (required or in progress). Ability to obtain and maintain railroad safety training and certifications. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Advanced Degree (MBA or equivalent) Experience: Experience working in cross-functional and/or global environments preferred. Six Sigma Black Belt. Lean Certification. American Society for Quality Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving tools Strong data analysis skills (Excel, Power BI, or equivalent tools) Experience with ERP systems (e.g., IFS) and business process workflows Familiarity with Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001 standards Strong analytical and critical thinking skills Change leadership and influence without authority Effective communication and facilitation across all organizational levels Results-oriented with strong execution discipline Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Collaborative mindset with a focus on continuous learning and improvement PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: This position requires successful completion of the following: Social Security Verification: The individual's name must correspond to their Social Security number and date of birth. Drug and Alcohol Testing: All applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-incident drug and/or alcohol testing in compliance with federal regulations and company policy. A nationwide, federal, and state criminal background check will be conducted. Up to a seven-year history will be considered, including incarceration or court supervision. Findings will be reviewed relative to the position requirements. Employment Verification: Current and prior relevant employment experience will be verified to confirm the candidate meets the minimum required years of experience for the position. Education Verification: Post-secondary education at the associate degree level or higher will be verified, including degree(s) earned and dates of completion. WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office deskwork, requiring sitting, walking, using phone & computer May lift up to 30 lbs. occasionally 5% or more travel including international Can tolerate variable and sometimes challenging conditions during visits or inspections of company equipment in a railroad environment.