Job Description

Title: Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement Specialist

Location: Independence, MO

Salary: $89,100 - $114,000

Schedule: 9/80 Schedule

Olin Winchester, LLC (“Winchester”), considered one of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturers, is seeking a Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement Specialist to work at the US Army’s premier small caliber manufacturing facility located in Independence, MO. In collaboration, the US Army and Winchester are developing a first of its kind tracer cartridge to better serve and protect America’s warfighter in current and future global conflicts.

 Focus: The Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist is responsible for driving a culture of operational excellence across the facility through the application of Lean principles, waste elimination, process standardization, and employee engagement. This role leads site-wide initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale by developing people, improving processes, and sustaining measurable performance gains.

The CI Specialist serves as a coach, facilitator, and change agent, working cross-functionally with production, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and leadership to embed continuous improvement into daily operations.

Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement Specialist Essential Job Functions:

• Lead the development and deployment of the site Lean/Continuous Improvement strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and A3 problem-solving initiatives.
• Identify and eliminate waste using Lean tools such as 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, SMED, Kanban, Poka-Yoke, and TPM.
• Manage production training processes by delivering role‑specific instruction, assessing early performance, and implementing continuous improvements to accelerate ramp‑up.
• Develop, document, and sustain Standard Work processes and visual workplace standards across departments.
• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and cost performance while tracking ROI.
• Coach and train leaders and frontline employees in Lean principles, CI tools, and problem-solving techniques.
• Partner with cross-functional teams and leadership to build a culture of accountability, engagement, and employee-driven improvement.

Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement Specialist Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent; degree* in Industrial Engineering or a Business related field preferred.
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience with at least 3 years in Lean/Continuous Improvement.
• Lean Six Sigma certification preferred, with proven application of continuous improvement methodologies in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading Lean transformations.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing tools and methodologies.
• Experience facilitating cross-functional teams and driving change.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, data analysis, and KPI tracking.
• Excellent communication and training skills.

Location-Specific Requirements: 

• Must have a valid US Driver’s License.
• This position requires access to ITAR controlled technical data, and as such, employment will be contingent upon the candidate's ability to access ITAR controlled technical data pursuant to an export license approved by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls if required.
• This position requires successful vetting as an Employee Possessor in accordance with U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
• This position requires successful vetting for unescorted access in accordance with U.S. Army and Department of Defense access policies.

Strong Careers Grow Here

Olin fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace, where you are encouraged to join or lead our Olin People Networks. These voluntary groups connect employees across sites, divisions and functions to strengthen connections, belonging, and community involvement.

Rooted in our corporate values, Olin continues to be the global leader in both ammunition and chemical manufacturing. We invest, recognize, and reward the talents and contributions of our employees, empowering over 8,000 global individuals to make an impact both at work and in surrounding communities.

*Degree must be from a school that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education of the U.S. Department of Education or equivalent program from an international university.   

Olin does not provide any form of sponsorship.  We will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States.  Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J or TN or who need sponsorship now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Olin is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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