Industrial Performance Specialist

ABOUT THE GROUP

From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 5,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company, which distribute and market our products and coffee machines. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea.

Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family and are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team. We combine competitiveness with social and environmental responsibility as we create superior quality products available for consumption both at home and out of home, and distributed through all channels: Retail, Foodservice, Office Coffee Service (OCS), and Vending. Our strong, diversified presence enables us to offer consumers and clients perfectly suited solutions, for any occasion and time of day.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Industrial Performance Specialist is a salaried exempt role responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing manufacturing efficiency, eliminating chronic operational losses, and strengthening overall plant performance. This position leads cross-functional efforts to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity through structured problem-solving, Kaizen execution, and sustainable process improvements.

The Industrial Performance Specialist partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to identify opportunities, resolve recurring issues, optimize equipment and processes, and ensure improvements are standardized and sustained. This role combines production floor engagement with analytical leadership, project ownership, and long-term capability building across the organization.

Additionally, the Industrial Performance Specialist supports process mapping, SOP development, KPI analysis, training initiatives, and ownership of a plant-wide repository of technical issues, root causes, corrective actions, and best practices.

Location: West Chester, PA

Work model: Onsite

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JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Continuous Improvement & Kaizen Leadership

• Lead and coordinate Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives focused on downtime reduction, waste elimination, scrap reduction, throughput improvement, and labor efficiency.
• Identify and prioritize operational improvement opportunities aligned with plant performance goals.
• Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies such as Root Cause Analysis, 5-Why, Fishbone, PDCA, and corrective action systems.
• Partner with functional leaders to implement sustainable countermeasures and monitor results.
• Own assigned improvement projects from concept through implementation, validation, and sustainment.

Plant Performance Optimization

• Analyze production, downtime, quality, labor, and cost data to identify trends and recommend improvement actions.
• Support achievement of KPIs including OEE, uptime, yield, throughput, and conversion cost targets.
• Collaborate with Operations and Technical teams to improve line performance, capacity utilization, and process reliability.
• Recommend and support process, equipment, workflow, or staffing improvements that drive measurable business results.

Cross-Functional Problem Solving

• Serve as a key resource for resolving chronic or complex manufacturing issues affecting safety, quality, or efficiency.
• Coordinate efforts between Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to identify root causes and implement solutions.
• Communicate project status, risks, timelines, and outcomes effectively to leadership and stakeholders.
• Manage multiple priorities independently while maintaining strong follow-through and accountability.

Standard Work & Process Governance

• Develop, update, and improve Standard Work, SOPs, visual controls, and training materials based on process changes and improvement learnings.
• Ensure new processes are effectively transitioned to Operations ownership.
• Audit adherence to standards and recommend corrective actions where gaps exist.
• Support workforce capability development through training and coaching on Lean tools and best practices.

Lean Six Sigma & Capability Building

• Apply Lean Six Sigma principles to reduce waste, variation, downtime, and recurring failures.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the plant.
• Facilitate employee engagement in CI activities and encourage idea generation.
• Support long-term site capability through systems, tools, and continuous improvement disciplines.

CI Knowledge Management

• Create and maintain a centralized repository of past issues, corrective actions, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Standardize documentation of improvements to accelerate future problem-solving.
• Share successful improvements across departments or facilities where applicable.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Operations Management, or related field preferred; equivalent manufacturing experience considered.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations improvement, industrial engineering, maintenance reliability, or related environment.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement or plant performance initiatives in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment systems, and operational KPIs.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar CI methodologies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to influence across all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data/reporting tools.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in food, beverage, packaging, or high-speed manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of ERP, CMMS, MES, or production reporting systems.

BENEFITS/PERKS

• Competitive Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits
• 401K Package
• Employee Assistance Program
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Ability to be barista certified
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Performance Development Plans
• Employee Discounts
• Summer Friday’s (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend)
• Flexible business casual dress code - jean friendly!
• Free coffee, anytime!

Lavazza is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Lavazza prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.