Job Summary
The Carlisle Operating System (COS) is the continuous improvement effort at Carlisle Construction Materials. The COS Project Specialist / Improvement Engineer is the primary COS resource for continuous improvement. This individual will work closely with business leaders, plant management and local COS resources to assist with all aspects of their continuous improvement journey. The COS Project Specialist / Improvement Engineer will apply technical expertise and Lean Six Sigma knowledge and concepts to identify, scope, and manage projects and activities that will improve process control and overall efficiency. The position requires the ability to build strong working relationships and communicate effectively with plant personnel and management to effectively identify and execute the activities. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are also required.
The COS Project Specialist II partners with the COS Manager and facility leadership to identify opportunities, execute improvement initiatives, and provide informed recommendations aligned with COS standards.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Continuous Improvement & Execution
- Lead and execute small to mid-scale continuous improvement (CI) initiatives with measurable outcomes across teams and departments.
- Identify, scope, and prioritize improvement opportunities within the facility and across value streams, while coaching and training CCM employees on Lean tools for process improvement.
- Apply Lean and Six Sigma tools to analyze non-routine operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
- Track, measure, and report project performance, including savings, KPI improvements, and operational impact.
- Perform root cause analysis to reduce process variability.
- Utilize statistical analysis and software tools to evaluate manufacturing data.
- Work with manufacturing locations and office teams to increase the value realized from initiatives such as MDI, 5S, TPM, VSM, Process Mapping, SQDC, Standard Work and the COS Framework.
Project Management
- Independently manage project timelines, resources, deliverables, and execution for moderately complex initiatives.
- Contribute to project planning, solution evaluation, and risk identification.
- Introduce structure, tools, and discipline to ensure consistent project execution and sustainment.
- Support coordination of cross-functional teams to deliver project objectives aligned to business goals.
Collaboration & Capability Building
- Collaborate with peers and leaders across departments, functions, and plant operations to achieve shared goals.
- Build strong working relationships across functional boundaries to drive alignment and results.
- Actively participate in and contribute to team-based problem-solving sessions, Kaizen events, and workshops.
- Identify and correct weak spots relative to sustainment and continuous improvement.
- Influence outcomes beyond own area through collaboration on multi-departmental initiatives.
- Encourage team engagement, idea generation, and structured problem-solving approaches.
- Help reinforce COS standards, tools, and behaviors within the organization.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Working knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma principles, tools, and methodologies (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, 5S, MDI, mistake Proofing, DMAIC).
- Demonstrated experience applying CI tools in real-world operational environments with increasing independence.
- Understanding of manufacturing or business processes and how systems and functions interrelate.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, presentation skills, problem solving and analytical skills, conflict resolution, listening skills, coaching and facilitating skills.
- Effective project and time management techniques.
- Working knowledge of various software systems including Microsoft Office, SAP, Minitab, Wonderware, etc.
- Ability to identify, scope, and execute numerous improvement projects simultaneously.
- Ability to distinguish between value-added and non-value-added activities.
- Base understanding of Six Sigma tools and approach including, but not limited to, DMAIC, Measurement System Analysis, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability, Experimental Design (DOE), etc.
- Experience using data analysis, metrics, and performance tracking to drive decision-making.
- Ability to select appropriate tools and methods to address operational challenges.
- Ability to influence without direct authority and work effectively in cross-functional teams.
- Skilled at facilitating discussions, problem-solving sessions, and Kaizen events.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate across functional boundaries.
- Ability to coach peers and support development of CI capabilities within teams.
- Encourages creative thinking and team-based solution generation.
- Demonstrates curiosity and commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
