The Continuous Improvement Senior Analyst supports operational excellence initiatives by applying Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies to manufacturing and operational processes. This role partners closely with site leadership to identify improvement opportunities, lead Kaizen activities, and drive measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

The position focuses on project execution, data analysis, and sustaining improvements through structured problem solving and employee engagement. The Senior Analyst helps embed a culture of continuous improvement across manufacturing, materials, maintenance, quality, and production teams.

Key Responsibilities

Process Improvement & Optimization

• Analyze workflows, manufacturing processes, and quality procedures to identify inefficiencies, waste, and bottlenecks.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement practical process improvements that enhance productivity and operational performance.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.

Lean & Continuous Improvement Execution

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and smaller improvement activities such as 5S initiatives and rapid improvement workshops.
• Apply Lean tools including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, standard work, visual management, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Conduct at least one Kaizen event per month alongside additional improvement initiatives.

Project Management & Tracking

• Manage multiple continuous improvement projects from planning through execution and sustainment.
• Track project progress using internal project management systems.
• Establish action plans, milestones, and follow-up activities to ensure long-term success.

Performance Measurement & Reporting

• Develop and maintain KPIs to measure improvement effectiveness and sustainability.
• Calculate and track cost savings, efficiency gains, and operational impact.
• Prepare reports and updates for site leadership on initiative progress and outcomes.

Collaboration & Culture Development

• Work closely with Manufacturing, Materials, Maintenance, Quality, Shipping, and Production leadership to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support employee engagement in continuous improvement activities.
• Help reinforce a culture focused on accountability, efficiency, and operational excellence.

Work Environment & Travel

• Initially onsite five days per week to support integration and operational learning.
• Role will transition to a hybrid schedule once established in the position.
• Occasional travel may be required for training or collaboration at other Copeland locations (approximately one week at a time), including sites in Missouri and Lebanon.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• At least 2 years of experience supporting continuous improvement, manufacturing operations, process improvement, or related functions.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or operational environment.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience with data tracking and reporting.
• Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field.
• Experience leading Kaizen or Lean improvement events.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience tracking project savings and performance metrics.

Flexible Work Schedule – Hybrid Work Option and Core Hours 

This role has the flexibility of a hybrid work from home option up to three days a week and a core hour schedule. You can choose to flex your start and stop times given you are working during the core hours of 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Our teams work together to ensure our chosen work schedules enable our creativity and productivity as we serve the needs of our customers. 

Why Work in the Greater Metro Atlanta Area 

Our facility is located in Kennesaw, GA, which is conveniently located within driving distance to Atlanta and historic downtown Kennesaw. The area offers excellent school systems, an abundance of outdoor walking trails, and low crime rates to create a family-friendly environment. The area is surrounded by several growing communities, with restaurants, festivals, shopping, and outdoor activities that make them exciting places to live and work. 

About Our Location 

Our Cold Chain business unit, headquartered in Kennesaw, is the leading provider of electronic controls and optimization services for supermarket, convenience store, restaurant, and refrigerated transportation customers and the OEMs that serve them. The business unit is comprised of multiple acquisitions organized to add value to Copeland’s world-leading products through control, connectivity, and monitoring. The business generates half of its revenue outside of North America and employs over 1,200 people globally. Headquartered in the Greater Atlanta area, the business has major operations in Minnesota, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, China, and the Philippines. The Cold Chain business helps ensure that food safely and efficiently travels from farm to fork. With the blend of businesses and functions represented under this one roof, there are many opportunities for advancement within the Kennesaw location.