New

Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist

Proto Labs, Inc.
United States, Minnesota, Maple Plain
Jul 10, 2025
Be yourself at Protolabs Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a diverse team that feels they are valued in the workplace. So do you feel you do not meet every single requirement but still intrigued? We encourage you to still apply! You can help make our company even better. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, mental or physical ability, or any way you represent yourself. We strongly believe diversity makes for more successful teams. Why Protolabs? We are the leaders in digital manufacturing. We hire doers, makers, and creative thinkers who tackle our roles with an entrepreneurial spirit. Our culture is centered around meaningful work that brings new and innovative products to market at unprecedented speeds. We are a diverse team that comes from all walks of life and take pride in our team who is smart, genuine, humble, and passionate about what we do. It's our people who fuel our creativity and make our culture feel like home. Join our team as a Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist! *This is a hybrid role based at Headquarters in Maple Plain, MN.* Protolabs is committed to operational excellence through the use of its ProtoExcellence operating system, which is built on the Shingo Principles and incorporates DMAIC Problem Solving, Lean, Change Management, and Project Management methodologies. The Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist will primarily collaborate with the Go-To-Market and Sales functions to enhance operational excellence and drive organizational transformation. This role involves working with cross-functional teams to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement enhancements that boost speed, efficiency, and effectiveness, ultimately aiming for improved demand growth and capacity gains. As a partner across all functions, the specialist will be responsible for training, coaching, facilitating, and ensuring that teams achieve sustainable improvements. This position demands a results-driven leader who leverages their leadership skills to optimize processes, refine organizational structure, and advance operational excellence maturity. Key responsibilities include utilizing continuous improvement techniques, robust project management capabilities, and effective soft skills to engage, influence, and partner with stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to turn actionable recommendations into impactful improvements for the business, maintaining a strong focus on taking initiative and energizing teams. You will Passionately drive ProtoExcellence visibility and awareness across the business. Lead and/or mentor process improvement and business transformation projects as assigned throughout various functions, predominantly in Go-To-Market/Sales environments. Working with cross-functional teams and key stakeholders to assist in evaluating and improving how we work to engage with the customer, better serve the customer, and ultimately grow the overall business through effective and efficient demand generation. Facilitate Value Stream Mapping and Kaizen Events. Manage large projects with considerable latitude in determining clearly defined deliverables. Build and maintain key relationships with leaders and process players throughout the organization. Gain stakeholder alignment and commitment throughout the project lifecycle. Identify and execute a sustainment strategy as part of the project implementation. Serve as a catalyst for a ProtoExcellence culture of continuous improvement through the use of Lean philosophies and practices, as well as change management and project management approaches. Train, coach, and mentor others in ProtoExcellence methodologies. Including flow creation, visual management and communication systems, root cause analysis, problem solving, actions to prevent recurrence, standard work and follow-up. Viewed as an expert in these areas and conveys knowledge and confidence when engaging others. Share best practices and build relationships with ProtoExcellece resources at all facilities. Utilize data driven, fact based analytics to perform these services as needed across all functional areas to solve problems and replicate successful solutions. What it takes Bachelor's degree in a relevant field 5+ years in continuous improvement with a focus on Go-To-Market/Sales functions Extensive Lean methodology experience, including problem-solving and Kaizen facilitation Proven track record in business transformation in office settings and stakeholder engagement Lean Certification (Lean, BB, MBB) Experienced in training, leading teams, and applying statistical tools Proficient in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) Strong written and oral communication skills for complex information delivery Ability to inspire action, adapt coaching style, and lead cross-functional teams Self-starter with strong interpersonal, analytical, and conflict resolution skills Skilled in challenging current practices for ongoing improvement Capable in fast-paced, team environments and adept at building trust Positive change agent and curious, self-motivated learner Bonus Points for Change Management Certification or experience executing change management models Protolabs offers a competitive total rewards package, and compensation mix vary based on position, such as base wage, as well as other earnings including incentives and commissions. Actual pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors which may include, without limitation, job function, work experience, specialized skills, training, education, and certifications. Proto Labs maintains ITAR-compliant operations in all of our United States based facilities. Due to ITAR regulations, this role is only open to U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or foreign nationals granted refugee or asylee status. Individuals with temporary visas (e.g. E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, TN or OPT) are not eligible for hire in this role. Proto Labs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer Physical Demands: While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use a computer keyboard, monitor and mouse, telephone and printer; reach with hands, and arms, talk, see and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop or kneel and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work Environment: Indoors (A/C); nonsmoking; the majority of this job function is performed in an office setting requiring normal safety precautions. However, there may be job duties that require the employee to spend time in the manufacturing areas exposed to machinery and noise; eye protection occasionally required. Occasionally works in outside weather conditions. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.