Continuous Improvement Specialist
ABOUT US
Looking for more than just a job? At Thompson Machinery, we've been powering progress since 1944. We are the go-to Caterpillar dealer for Middle and West Tennessee and North Mississippi. Come join a team where our mission is simple: deliver smart solutions, build lasting partnerships, strengthen the communities we call home and invest in your growth.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The Continuous Improvement Specialist is a highly competent process manager responsible for using Lean Six Sigma principles to drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence throughout the dealership. This role serves teams as an analyst, facilitator, coach, trainer, and project manager and is involved in planning, scheduling, and implementing continuous improvement activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Clearly defining program objectives and scope
- Evaluating and prioritizing potential improvements based on gains and required effort
- Securing employee commitment (ex: process managers) for proactive change management
- Establishing a clear and well-articulated implementation plan
- Appropriately implementing principles of governance
- Identifying intervention priorities and indicators
- Conducting detailed analysis of the current situation that accurately describes the issues
- Specifying deliverables, outcome indicators, and performance-measured indicators
- Identifying available resources (for example, people, material, and finances)
- Mapping out in detail the desired situation
- Accurately analyzing options including impact and feasibility
- Specifying obstacles and ways to overcome them through continuous improvement
- Regularly monitoring the implementation of solutions to achieve objectives and expected benefits
- Identify opportunities for process improvement, waste removal, and cost reduction
- Analyze data and use value stream mapping to vision and transform current processes and procedures towards a new future state
- Lead the planning and execution of Kaizens and other Lean transformation initiatives focused on safely eliminating waste, stabilizing processes, and improving quality and productivity
- Build cross-functional relationships within the value stream to build trust and gain the privilege of challenging the current state
- Teach, lead, and coach cross-functional teams on Lean Six Sigma tools and methodology
- Serve as a champion for change by influencing and guiding teams to better understanding and adoption of lean principles and Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology, ultimately fostering a culture of change and servant leadership
WHAT WE EXPECT OF YOU
We all have different backgrounds, yet we all use our unique contributions to provide the highest quality of service.
Basic Qualifications:
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering or a related discipline
- Strong communication, facilitation, and project management skills with the ability to speak effectively with various audiences
- 3-5 years of experience in practicing LEAN methodologies
- Strong demonstrated project management experience
- Experience with heavy machinery/equipment within a service-focused operation preferred
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a plus
- Microsoft Power Platform (Power Automate and Power Apps) preferred
Hard Skills:
- Continuous Improvement
- 6S
- Lean Six Sigma
- Root Cause Analysis
- Value Stream Mapping
- Proficiency in commonly used and specialized software
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, including advanced skills with Excel
- Demonstrated ability to work in high paced and changing environments
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
At Thompson Machinery, we believe that great benefits are more than just perks- they're essential for employee well-being and success. We've designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Here's an overview of our benefits, including some that set us apart from our competitors.
The Basics
- Various medical plan options, including a no-cost option
- Vision and dental insurance
- Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Employer-paid basic life insurance
- 401k matching
- Profit Sharing
- 8 paid holidays annually
- Initially up to 15 days of Paid Time Off annually with increase after five years of service
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
What Sets Us Apart
- Competitive pay
- Exposure to world-class CAT training and development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Tool Purchase Assistance to buy high-quality tools at deep discounts
- Annual stipend toward the purchase of work boots
- Company Incentive Bonus Program
- Paid Veteran holiday annually to all service members
- Training and Development programs
- Work uniforms and professional cleaning services
- Financial Wellness programs
Thompson Machinery offers competitive salaries and a complete benefits package.
Compensation for this position will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and background. Thompson Machinery is an equal opportunity employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.
Thompson Machinery
dental insurance, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), profit sharing
Jun 16, 2025