Continuous Improvement Specialist

The Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for driving manufacturing excellence through the deployment of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, problem-solving methodologies, and digital solutions. This role partners with plant leadership and functional teams to identify opportunities, eliminate operational losses, improve productivity, and deliver sustainable cost savings while building a high-performance continuous improvement culture.

The incumbent will lead strategic improvement initiatives, facilitate capability development, utilize business intelligence tools to drive data-based decisions, and support the achievement of key business objectives in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People engagement. The role requires strong analytical skills, project leadership capabilities, and a passion for operational excellence and transformation.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead and facilitate Continuous Improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, DMAIC, SMED, RCA, 5S, and Problem-Solving methodologies.
• Identify productivity losses, process inefficiencies, and operational bottlenecks through data analysis and shopfloor engagement.
• Drive loss elimination programs to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), productivity, quality, and operational performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and improvement projects across manufacturing operations.
• Support implementation and sustainability of Manufacturing Operating Systems (MOS) and operational excellence programs.

Process Optimization & Performance Improvement

• Analyze manufacturing processes, line performance, capacity utilization, labor productivity, and resource efficiency.
• Develop and implement initiatives that improve throughput, reduce waste, optimize workflows, and lower operational costs.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and SHE teams to deliver improvement objectives.
• Monitor key operational KPIs and develop action plans to close performance gaps.
• Support annual productivity, savings, and cost optimization targets.

Digitalization & Data Analytics

• Develop and maintain performance dashboards, reports, and analytics tools using Power BI or equivalent platforms.
• Drive data-driven decision-making across manufacturing teams.
• Identify opportunities for automation, workflow optimization, and digital transformation.
• Support implementation of Industry 4.0 initiatives and digital manufacturing solutions.
• Translate operational data into actionable insights that drive business performance.

Project Management

• Lead cross-functional improvement projects from opportunity identification through implementation and sustainment.
• Manage project timelines, stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, and business benefits realization.
• Ensure project governance, documentation, and reporting standards are maintained.
• Present improvement outcomes and recommendations to plant leadership teams.

Capability Building & Culture Development

• Promote a strong Continuous Improvement culture throughout the organization.
• Deliver training and coaching in Lean Manufacturing, Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis, and CI tools.
• Support competency development and employee capability-building initiatives.
• Encourage idea generation and employee involvement in improvement programs.
• Act as a change agent to foster innovation, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Engineering, IT, Data Analytics, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related fields
• Fluent in the local language with strong English proficiency (written and spoken)
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing, digital transformation, continuous improvement, business intelligence, or related areas

Good to have

• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and facilitation skills across shopfloor and management levels
• Solid experience in capability development, training coordination, and competency frameworks
• Hands-on knowledge of manufacturing operations and Continuous Improvement methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, 5S, RCA, Autonomous Maintenance)
• Proficient in data analytics and visualization tools such as Power BI, Grafana, Azure Data Explorer , and Microsoft Power Platform
• Experience driving digital solutions, automation, and data-driven improvement initiatives
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate business needs into practical solutions
• Understanding of manufacturing data, systems, and performance management concepts
• Proven ability in project management, cross-functional collaboration, and developing training materials/SOPs
• Passion for continuous learning, digitalization, and operational excellence

• Are you ready to  Unleash Your Possibility  within JDE Peet's?  
• Ready to take your career to the next level? Join a global coffee & tea company where your ideas matter, your growth is prioritized, and your impact is real.

How to Apply

• Submit your resume (in English) via LinkedIn or our careers site.
• Our team will review your application and get back to you within three weeks .
• Selected candidates will be invited to complete an online assessment and attend at least one interview at our Johor office .

• Why JDE Peet’s?
• We’re not just offering a job — we’re offering an experience. At JDE Peet’s, you’ll find a culture that inspires you to grow, innovate, and thrive.

What you can expect

• ✨ A vibrant, forward-thinking, and collaborative work environment
• 📊 Strong career progression and development opportunities
• 🎉 Attractive allowances designed to support your lifestyle
• 🍴 Meal subsidies — because great ideas start with great fuel
• 🏃 Sports and wellness benefits to keep you energized
• ☕ Unlimited access to premium coffee & tea — become your own Barista!

JDE Peet’s - now part of Keurig Dr Pepper – is the world’s leading pure-play coffee company, with a presence in more than 100 markets. Guided by our ‘Reignite the Amazing’ strategy, we are focused on brand-led growth across three big bets: Peet’s, L’OR, and our 10 strategically selected local icons led by Jacobs.