SUMMARY:
The Continuous Improvement Leader is responsible for driving operational
excellence initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities through the
deployment of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and performance
management methodologies. This role partners closely with the Automation
Engineer, General Managers, and site leadership teams to identify improvement
opportunities, reduce waste, increase productivity, improve quality, and enhance
overall operational performance. The Continuous Improvement Leader serves as a
change agent, coaching leaders and employees in Lean principles while creating
sustainable systems and processes that deliver measurable business results. This
is a highly collaborative, travel-intensive role requiring strong facilitation,
analytical, and leadership skills.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Partner with General Managers and site leadership teams to evaluate
operational performance and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery,
cost, and employee engagement.
Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping exercises, process improvement
workshops, and problem-solving activities.
Work alongside the Automation Engineer to identify opportunities where
process improvements and automation solutions can improve productivity and
reduce labor content.
Support the development and execution of site-specific operational
improvement roadmaps.
Drive standardization of best practices, work methods, and operational
processes across facilities.
Analyze operational data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify
trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
Coach and mentor plant leadership teams on Lean principles, problem-solving
methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
Implement and sustain Lean systems including, 5S, Standard Work, Visual
Management, Kaizen, etc.
Establish measurable improvement targets and track project results.
Lead cross-functional teams to execute improvement projects and ensure
sustainability of gains achieved.
Promote a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and continuous
improvement throughout the organization.
Support integration and replication of successful improvements across
multiple locations.
Ensure all improvement initiatives align with safety, quality, and
operational objectives.
Prepare and present progress updates, project results, and performance
metrics to senior leadership.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:
Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement
methodologies.
Excellent facilitation and workshop leadership skills.
Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Proven ability to lead organizational change and influence without direct
authority.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
Strong business acumen with the ability to connect operational improvements
to financial results.
Effective project management and prioritization skills.
Ability to coach leaders and frontline teams through process and cultural
transformation.
Experience developing and implementing sustainable operating systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Power BI, and data analysis tools.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Industrial
Engineering, or related (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related
field) or equivalent experience.
7+ years of manufacturing, operations, Lean, or continuous improvement
experience.
Demonstrated success leading Lean transformation or operational excellence
initiatives.
Experience facilitating Kaizen events and process improvement projects.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, labor productivity, quality
systems, and operational metrics.
Experience working directly with plant leadership and cross-functional teams.
Ability to travel extensively to support multiple manufacturing locations.
Desired
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred).
Experience in multi-site manufacturing environments.
Experience supporting automation
Experience implementing operational management systems and KPI scorecards.
Prior leadership or management experience.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met
by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to
stand and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with
hands/arms; lift and/or lower; push and/or pull; and use hands to finger,
handle, feel and/or finely manipulate objects. The employee must frequently
lift/move and/or push/pull up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift/move and/or
push/pull up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include
close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth
perception, and ability to adjust focus. Use of vision correction is
acceptable, if necessary; however, any vision correction apparatus must meet all
safety guidelines for the area of activity.