Continuous Improvement Manager

Our people are the heart of our business. As the world’s largest provider of thermal processing services, Bodycote employs thousands of highly skilled staff around the globe, including some of the best engineers, scientists, and technicians in the industry. Come join our team!

Due to the nature of our business and a heavy industrial market, Bodycote deems this position to be safety-sensitive.

Position Summary

Based in Hebron, KY the Continuous Improvement Manager serves as champion and will drive operational excellence by leading initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency across manufacturing operations under the direction of the General Manager by applying structured methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis, the Continuous Improvement Manager ensures sustainable gains in performance, cost reduction, the elimination of waste and customer satisfaction—fueling long-term growth and operational strength.

Essential Job Functions (Duties and Responsibilities): The primary duties consist of, but are not limited to, the following.

• Lead and sustain continuous improvement initiatives within the assigned production site, driving measurable gains in throughput, quality, flow, turn-around-time (TAT), and cost reduction.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve process flow.
• Partner with Plant Managers, Engineers, and Production Supervisors to identify process bottlenecks and deploy structured problem-solving techniques (Root Cause Analysis, DMAIC, 5 Whys).
• Plan, schedule, and facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and Gemba walks to engage teams and uncover improvement opportunities in both manufacturing and business processes.
• Analyze data and process metrics to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and standardize visual management systems, performance boards, and metrics dashboards to promote operational transparency.
• Coach frontline teams and leaders on Lean tools such as 5S, SMED, standard work, and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke).
• Collaborate with leadership to establish annual improvement goals and track progress against KPIs.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by promoting employee engagement, idea generation, and recognition of process excellence.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain to optimize workflow, reduce downtime, and strengthen process reliability.
• Communicate improvement outcomes, lessons learned, and best practices across the organization.
• Practices and promotes safety and good housekeeping.
• Performs other tasks as assigned or dictated by position.
• This position is responsible for the care and treatment of our customers’ inventory and, as such, will perform duties in a safe and responsible manner to prevent customer loss or damage.
• Must have the ability to report for work on time, follow directions, interact effectively with co-workers, understand and follow rules and procedures, and accept constructive criticism.
  
  

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position must satisfy ITAR compliance requirements; therefore, candidates must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Resident cardholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• 5 years of experience in process improvement, operations, or related roles.
• Certification in Lean or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred).
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation abilities.
• Prefer working knowledge of metallurgy, temperatures, etc, as well as Power BI for actionable insights.
• Must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and communicate in the English language.
  
  

Physical & Mental Demands: The following physical and mental demands consist of, but are not limited to, the following.

• Must be able to work in a standing position for extended periods of time in an industrial environment.
• Ability to bend, pull, stoop, and reach to perform functions.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
• May be exposed to heat, fumes, noise, and humidity, etc.
• Must have the cognitive and mental capacity to perform essential job functions.
• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Visual acuity to read documents, computer screens, files, etc.
• Ability to hear in person and via phone.
  
  

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and levels of the work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, the job description does not constitute a written or implied contract for employment. Bodycote reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Bodycote is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against current and prospective employees based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age for individuals over forty years of age, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.