Continuous Improvement Technician

Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

COMPRENHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE:

Medical - Dental - Vision - Paid Time Off - Disability - Life and AD&D - 401k With Match - Profit Sharing - Health & Flex Spending Accounts - Employee Assistance Program - Wellness Program - Education Assistance - Employee Referral Bonus 

COMMENTS: This job description outlines the essential functions of the role; however, it does not limit or dictate the specific tasks that may be assigned. This is an On-Site position requiring full-time work at the plant. We strongly encourage veterans, minorities, and women to apply.

SUMMARY

The Continuous Improvement Technician supports plant productivity and performance by applying Lean principles and hands‑on problem‑solving techniques. This role works directly on the production floor to observe processes, analyze equipment and machine performance, collect data, and support improvement activities. The technician partners with site teams to develop and implement practical improvements, documents procedural changes, and assists with training associates on new or updated standard operating procedures (SOPs).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Hands‑On Continuous Improvement Execution

• Maintain a strong daily presence on the production floor to observe processes, identify waste and inefficiencies, and support real‑time problem solving.
• Lead and participate in hands‑on Kaizen events and rapid improvement activities in high‑speed, high‑volume production areas.
• Apply Lean tools such as Standard Work, 5S, Visual Management, SMED, and Waste Walks to improve process flow and line performance.

 Food Manufacturing & Line Performance Focus

• Partner with Operations to improve line efficiency, uptime, yield, and throughput.
• Support reduction of changeover time, downtime, scrap, rework, and labor inefficiencies.
• Work closely with Quality to reduce defects, improve food safety compliance, and strengthen process controls.
• Ensure all improvements align with food safety standards, GMP requirements, and regulatory guidelines.

Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis

• Facilitate structured problem solving using A3, PDCA, and Root Cause Analysis methods.
• Ensure countermeasures are practical, sustainable, and incorporated into standard work.
• Verify the effectiveness of improvements through follow‑up, audits, and performance checks.

Coaching & Culture Development

• Train and coach frontline associates on Lean fundamentals and daily continuous improvement behaviors.
• Support supervisors in running effective daily FOS meetings, DDS meetings, and sustain boards.

Metrics, Tracking & Sustainability

• Track continuous improvement initiatives and results, including productivity gains, cost savings, waste reduction, and quality improvements.
• Assist in developing and maintaining standard work, SOPs, and visual controls.

Cross‑Functional Support

• Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering to improve equipment reliability and reduce recurring downtime.
• Support new product introductions, line startups, and process changes.
• Assist with paperless, automation, and digital manufacturing initiatives as needed.

Other Responsibilities

• May be required to share in weekend duties with department leads.
• Work safely and consistently observe GMP and safety rules.
• Work overtime, as assigned.
• Assist in other team responsibilities, as assigned, with the possibility of travelling to other company facilities.

EDUCATION:  

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required.
• Associate degree in business field preferred

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2 years’ experience within a food processing, bottling, liquid filling/blending, and/or consumer goods manufacturing/packing environment preferred.
• Prior experience with continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, or process improvement a plus.
• Basic understanding of Lean manufacturing, and CI tools (5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis)
• Strong knowledge of computer systems including MS Office, WMS and ERP programs. Ability to learn new job-related software.
• Excellent attention to details and accuracy required.
• Must be respectful and work well with all levels of personnel.
• Great work attitude, with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to work overtime on short notice basis.  Long-term, temporary assignments to any shift may be required to maintain manufacturing processes.
• Ability to work in elevated temperatures (hot or cold), working at heights and exposure to strong smells, dust, gases, fumes and chemical or require personal protective equipment.
• Ability to use Personal Protective Equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical aspects of the job as performed in an 8-hour workday.

• Must be able to see, sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, reach, bend, twist, ascend/ descend.
• Ability to pull, push, lift and carry up to 50 lbs., 50+ lbs. with assistance.