Continuous Improvement Specialist

At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact. As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you'll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that's always looking ahead.

Rite-Hite is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to lead process optimization and efficiency initiatives across our Horn Lake, MS facility. In this role, you will apply industrial engineering methods and continuous improvement principles to drive sustainable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost through data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

Continuous Improvement Focus

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, root cause analysis (RCA), and other lean initiatives.
• Identify, analyze, and implement process improvement opportunities using Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies.
• Champion the deployment of visual management, standard work, and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke).
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure improvement impact.
• Conduct time and motion studies to optimize labor efficiency and line balancing.
• Analyze production and process flow to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements.
• Design facility layout improvements and material handling systems to increase space utilization and reduce waste.
• Develop and maintain standard work instructions and capacity models.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to support smooth implementation of engineering changes and process improvements.
• Provide training and coaching to frontline supervisors and operators on new processes and lean tools.
• Ability to lead project implementation
• Partner with key stakeholders and communicate effectively
• Support cost reduction initiatives through labor optimization, automation opportunities, and process redesign.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent years of related experience in Lean/Continuous Improvement roles
• 3-5 years of experience in a Continuous improvement role and certifications
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement techniques
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Minitab, Power BI, or similar)
• Strong time management, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and project management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Experience with DraftSight or facility layout software

What We Offer

At Rite-Hite, we take care of our people - because when you're supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance. A robust well-being program with an opportunity to receive an extra day off and more.

• Financial Security: A strong retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and profit sharing.

• Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.

Join us and build a career where you're supported - at work and beyond.

Rite-Hite is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. In accordance with VEVRAA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for protected veterans. We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and customers.