Specialist, Value Optimization & Continuous Improvement

20600 Emerald Parkway, Cleveland, Ohio 44135 United States of America

Why Oatey?

Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network comprised of industry leading family of companies: Oatey, Cherne, Keeney, Quick Drain, Hercules, Dearborn, Oatey Canada, William H. Harvey, Masters, Contact, Belanger, Lansas, and Durgo.

At Oatey, we're doing big things - and by joining us, you'll have the chance to do big things too. You can build a strong career in an innovative, inclusive, high-performance environment, with the confidence that your company cares - about you, our customers and our world. Ready to make an impact in a place where you matter?

• Position Summary:

The Value Optimization & Continuous Improvement Specialist plays a dual role; both analytical and implementation focused. This position identifies cost savings opportunities through data analysis and structured problem solving and coordinates cross-functional execution to deliver measurable results.

The specialist will support the Value Optimization Office in building the cost reduction pipeline, validating opportunities, facilitating improvement events, and ensuring savings are realized and sustained.

Position Responsibilities:

• Project Execution and Facilitation:

• Manage project timelines, documentation, and progress reporting in order to maintain clear visibility, accountability, and momentum throughout each initiative.

• Lead or support kaizen events, structured problem-solving workshops, and process improvement activities

• Collaborate across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Quality to execute value optimization initiatives to drive alignment, remove cross‑functional barriers, and accelerate delivery of measurable results.

• Opportunity Identification and Analysis

• Analyze product cost structures, operational data, and performance metrics to identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities

• Conduct financial modeling, cost-benefit analyses, and should-cost evaluations to support project prioritization and to ensure resources are directed towards the highest impact opportunities.

• Apply Lean/Six Sigma tools to identify waste, bottlenecks, variability, and defects to enhance process stability and improve cost competitiveness.

• Develop dashboards, scorecards, and data visualization to track opportunity pipelines and project impact

• Savings Validation and Quality

• Partner with Finance to validate cost savings, conduct variance reviews, and track benefit realization

• Ensure implemented solutions comply with quality, safety, and regulatory expectations to maintain operational integrity and prevent unintended downstream impacts

• Change Management

• Promote standardization, continuous improvement of culture, and disciplined project management across the enterprise in order to reinforce consistent behaviors and support long term sustainability of improvements

• Train and coach cross-functional partners on basic Lean tools and structured problem-solving

• Other

• Some travel required to support initiatives and properly manage and evaluate project opportunities

Knowledge and Experience:

• 3-6 years of experience in operations, engineering, supply chain, finance/analytics, continuous improvement, or value engineering

• Experience participating and/or leading CI/Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, kaizens, or cross-functional projects

• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and translate findings into business actions

• Advanced skillset in Excel or other Analytical tools such as PowerBI, SQL, or similar

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong organizational skills

• Strong communication skills

• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (SAP Preferred)

Education and Certification:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations, Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field or relevant equivalent experience in lieu of degree

• Certifications such as Lean, Six Sigma, or PMP are preferred but not required

• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black belt strongly preferred

#LI-SV1

#LI-Hybrid

Compensation Range for the Position:

$63,281.00 - $80,683.50 - $98,086.00 USD

Target Cash Profit Sharing for the Position:

8.00%

Offer amount determined by experience and review of internal talent.

Oatey Total Rewards

• Generous paid time off programs and paid company holidays to support flexibility and work-life balance

• Annual Discretionary Cash Profit Sharing

• Immediate eligibility and vesting in 401(k), including 100% company match, up to 5% of eligible compensation

• Market leading health insurance including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance offerings for associates and qualified dependents

• Significant company contribution to Health Savings Account with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability income protection coverage at no cost to associates

• Paid Maternity and Paid Parental Leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• A strong set of complementary resources to support associate well-being, including resource groups, EAP, and dedicated mental health support.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Oatey family of companies are an equal opportunity employer committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We recruit, employ, promote, and offer competitive pay for all jobs without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.