Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Specialist (Remote w/ 75% travel)

PLZ is committed to product stewardship and innovation, strong ethical standards, sustainable operations and most importantly, the development of our people. Whether at our manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters, PLZ prioritizes health and safety, and offers you the support you need to create the career you want, through engagement, equity and inclusion, and opportunity. From household cleaning solutions to personal care products, and food to automotive lubricants, PLZ produces more than 2,500 different aerosol and liquid products in our facilities across the continent. We know that being the partner of choice for our clients starts with being the partner of choice for our employees. Learn more at www.plzcorp.com/careers or visit https://youtu.be/XYNIFpLQIJY The Continuous Improvement Specialist supports projects across PLZ Corp by helping identify, coordinate, and implement process improvements that improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency. The position will assist with Vorne, GainSeeker, and eMaint systems, while also supporting a variety of Lean initiatives, data collection efforts, and standard work improvements across the organization. Key Responsibility: Support continuous improvement projects by assisting with project planning, data collection, implementation tracking, and follow-up activities. Assist with Lean initiatives such as 5S, standard work, visual management, waste reduction, root cause analysis, and process improvement activities. Provide support for Vorne, GainSeeker, and eMaint systems, including data entry, report generation, user assistance, basic troubleshooting, and system documentation. Compile, analyze, and summarize operational data to help identify trends, improvement opportunities, and project performance results. Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, safety, and other cross-functional teams to support improvement activities and sustain implemented changes. Create and maintain project documentation, action item trackers, training materials, standard work documents, and other continuous improvement records. Participate in Kaizen events, problem-solving sessions, audits, and follow-up reviews to help drive engagement and accountability across improvement efforts. Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent required Must be willing to travel approximately 50% - 75% of the time. Previous experience in manufacturing, operations, maintenance, quality, or continuous improvement preferred. Basic understanding of Lean principles, including 5S, standard work, waste reduction, visual management, and problem-solving methods. Experience using or willingness to learn Vorne, GainSeeker, eMaint, and other operational data or maintenance management systems. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and summarize data to support project updates, performance tracking, and improvement decisions. Strong communication, organization, attention to detail, and follow-up skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Ability to manage multiple priorities, support project timelines, and adapt to changing business needs in a fast-paced environment. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Remote role with up to 75% travel to PLZ manufacturing sites. The preferred candidate would be located in the midwest region of the United States. Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments, including regular interaction with production, maintenance, quality, and operations teams. Role may require time on the plant floor to observe processes, collect data, support Lean activities, participate in Kaizen events, and assist with implementation of improvement actions. Must follow all site safety requirements and may be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment while in manufacturing or warehouse areas. Requires frequent use of a computer and business systems, including data entry, report generation, document preparation, and communication through Microsoft Office applications. May require standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving throughout production areas for extended periods while supporting projects or conducting observations. Frequent travel (up to 75%) to other PLZ locations may be required to support continuous improvement projects, system implementations, training, or best practice sharing. COMPENSATION: Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $65,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $85,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Dependent on the position offered, other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. PLZ Corp offers a robust suite of benefits including: Medical, Dental & Vision benefits. Company paid Life and Short-Term disability. Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, and hospital/accident insurance. 401k & company provided match. Paid Time Off Bonus incentive programs (Note, bonuses are subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.) All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.