Continuous Improvement (CI) Intern
Prinova USA, Carol Stream, IL, United States
Overview
Unlock your potential with Prinova. We are Prinova, a leading global supplier of ingredients and premix manufacturing solutions, and trusted by the world’s best-known food, beverage, and nutrition brands. Part of the NAGASE Group, our expertise lies in Ingredient Distribution, Manufacturing Solutions, and Customized Services. Our global network of colleagues, located in offices and manufacturing facilities around the world, deliver sustainable value-added solutions to our customers. We are recognized for our deep expertise, commitment to excellence, and bold innovation, which have earned us a strong reputation as a trusted industry leader. Wherever your career is headed, you’ll find direction, opportunity, and belonging with us.
Continuous Improvement (CI) Internship
Department:
General & Admin, Solutions Location:
Carol Stream, IL Type:
12 Week Internship
Summary
Assist the Continuous Improvement Team in driving operational excellence initiatives focused on organization, prioritization, and process standardization throughout the Carol Stream facilities. The internship will emphasize analytical thinking, organization, collaboration, and hands-on problem solving. The CI Intern will support projects that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall workplace performance using continuous improvement methodologies. This internship will cover a wide scope of responsibilities, ranging from data-driven analysis and cross-functional coordination to hands-on improvement activities on the production floor.
Duties
Heat Map Development (285 Facility): Analyze material and equipment movement to identify fast- and slow-moving areas. Develop visual heat maps to highlight storage optimization opportunities, both on-site and off-site. Provide recommendations to improve organization and flow. Action Register Master List: Create and maintain a centralized master list to capture ongoing initiatives and improvement efforts across departments. Assist leadership in prioritizing, tracking, executing, and delivering on key actions. Room Standardization Initiative: Support the development of standardized room setups, including equipment placement, team member roles, and process sequencing. Help define and document “the standard way” to ensure consistency and efficiency. Participate in TIM WOODS waste hunts to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities. Support Process Confirmation Gemba walks to verify adherence to standards and identify improvement opportunities. Assist in 5S initiatives (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) across production and support areas. Support additional CI initiatives as they arise, contributing analytical support, documentation, and project coordination as needed. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Expected outcomes
For the intern’s benefit, the internship will develop practical experience in Lean methodologies, data analysis, project prioritization, and cross-functional leadership. The intern will gain exposure to real-world manufacturing operations and learn how structured problem-solving improves performance. Internally, the organization will benefit from improved visibility of ongoing initiatives, enhanced workspace organization, stronger process standardization, and measurable waste reduction efforts.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Currently enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or related field. Completion of at least 2 years of college coursework. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, charts, dashboards). Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Analytical thinker with attention to detail. Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams. Willingness to spend time on the production floor observing processes and engaging with operators. Demonstrated problem-solving ability and interest in Lean / Continuous Improvement principles.
What’s in it for you?
Learning and expanding your skills with a global organization! Pay: $20 an hour
Disclaimer: Prinova is committed to providing equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, creed, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, ancestry, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic or group status protected under applicable law.
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Unlock your potential with Prinova. We are Prinova, a leading global supplier of ingredients and premix manufacturing solutions, and trusted by the world’s best-known food, beverage, and nutrition brands. Part of the NAGASE Group, our expertise lies in Ingredient Distribution, Manufacturing Solutions, and Customized Services. Our global network of colleagues, located in offices and manufacturing facilities around the world, deliver sustainable value-added solutions to our customers. We are recognized for our deep expertise, commitment to excellence, and bold innovation, which have earned us a strong reputation as a trusted industry leader. Wherever your career is headed, you’ll find direction, opportunity, and belonging with us.
Continuous Improvement (CI) Internship
Department:
General & Admin, Solutions Location:
Carol Stream, IL Type:
12 Week Internship
Summary
Assist the Continuous Improvement Team in driving operational excellence initiatives focused on organization, prioritization, and process standardization throughout the Carol Stream facilities. The internship will emphasize analytical thinking, organization, collaboration, and hands-on problem solving. The CI Intern will support projects that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall workplace performance using continuous improvement methodologies. This internship will cover a wide scope of responsibilities, ranging from data-driven analysis and cross-functional coordination to hands-on improvement activities on the production floor.
Duties
Heat Map Development (285 Facility): Analyze material and equipment movement to identify fast- and slow-moving areas. Develop visual heat maps to highlight storage optimization opportunities, both on-site and off-site. Provide recommendations to improve organization and flow. Action Register Master List: Create and maintain a centralized master list to capture ongoing initiatives and improvement efforts across departments. Assist leadership in prioritizing, tracking, executing, and delivering on key actions. Room Standardization Initiative: Support the development of standardized room setups, including equipment placement, team member roles, and process sequencing. Help define and document “the standard way” to ensure consistency and efficiency. Participate in TIM WOODS waste hunts to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities. Support Process Confirmation Gemba walks to verify adherence to standards and identify improvement opportunities. Assist in 5S initiatives (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) across production and support areas. Support additional CI initiatives as they arise, contributing analytical support, documentation, and project coordination as needed. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Expected outcomes
For the intern’s benefit, the internship will develop practical experience in Lean methodologies, data analysis, project prioritization, and cross-functional leadership. The intern will gain exposure to real-world manufacturing operations and learn how structured problem-solving improves performance. Internally, the organization will benefit from improved visibility of ongoing initiatives, enhanced workspace organization, stronger process standardization, and measurable waste reduction efforts.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Currently enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or related field. Completion of at least 2 years of college coursework. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, charts, dashboards). Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Analytical thinker with attention to detail. Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams. Willingness to spend time on the production floor observing processes and engaging with operators. Demonstrated problem-solving ability and interest in Lean / Continuous Improvement principles.
What’s in it for you?
Learning and expanding your skills with a global organization! Pay: $20 an hour
Disclaimer: Prinova is committed to providing equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, creed, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, ancestry, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic or group status protected under applicable law.
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