CI Specialist

About the position Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together. For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com © 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved. Job PurposeThe Continuous Improvement Specialist I is responsible for championing, developing, and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement across all areas of the site, with a strong emphasis on manufacturing and operations. This role plays a critical part in improving site performance by applying structured continuous improvement methodologies and driving measurable results across key performance indicators including safety, on-time-in-full delivery, cost, material efficiency, quality, and inventory management. As an agent of change, the Continuous Improvement Specialist I supports the deployment of AkzoNobel Leading Performance Systems, while promoting Lean and Six Sigma thinking throughout the organization. This role partners closely with site leadership, operations teams, and the broader AkzoNobel continuous improvement community to build capability, embed best practices, and create a sustainable mindset of operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and sustain the AkzoNobel Leading Performance Systems manufacturing program, providing active, hands-on coaching on the shop floor to drive continuous improvement initiatives and ensure long-term sustainability of improvements.
• Act as a visible role model for Lean and Six Sigma behaviors, problem-solving, and decision-making practices.
• Support and challenge the workforce and site leadership team in setting direction, prioritizing initiatives, and allocating resources to achieve site improvement plan targets.
• Lead and support the planning, sequencing, and execution of improvement activities aligned with yearly performance goals.
• Review the AkzoNobel Lean Performance Systems operating framework—including goals, key performance indicators, operating processes, and people systems—to ensure alignment with corporate and business area requirements.
• Identify performance gaps and partner with site leadership to define and implement corrective actions.
• Lead or support the local implementation of AkzoNobel Leading Performance Systems, ensuring full adoption and practical, day-to-day application.
• Build local continuous improvement capabilities and mindset across functions.
• Actively network within the AkzoNobel continuous improvement community to share insights, challenges, and best practices, while encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing across sites.

Requirements

• One to three years of relevant experience in areas such as operations, production, maintenance, logistics, process engineering, or continuous improvement.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in a technical, business, or engineering-related field.
• Demonstrated experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Total Productive Maintenance.
• Experience coaching and influencing others at multiple organizational levels.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility through integrity and situational leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to structure issues, perform accurate analyses, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, changing environments with a steep learning curve.
• Highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a clear view of the bigger picture.
• Confident and resilient, with the ability to handle resistance and lead change effectively.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build a strong professional network.
• Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and SharePoint, with the ability to prepare documentation related to continuous improvement programs.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
• Self-directed, risk-aware, and capable of making sound decisions in uncertain situations.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and driving exceptional performance.
• Customer-focused, reliable, and committed to operational excellence.
• Active listener with a strong coaching mindset.
• Demonstrates leadership presence and the ability to inspire others to engage in change initiatives.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience implementing change programs in an operational environment is a plus.

Benefits

• Medical insurance with HSA
• Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
• Annual bonus
• 401K retirement savings with 6% company match
• Generous vacation, personal and holiday pay
• Paid Parental leave
• Hybrid work for most exempt roles
• Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
• Career growth opportunities on a regional and global scale
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee referral bonus

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