Continuous Improvement Manager

Euclid, OH or Coldwater, MI

About The Elmet Group

The Elmet Group is a growing US-based manufacturer of precision-engineered products serving global industries including defense, aerospace, semiconductor, and energy. The organization operates under two divisions—Elmet Technologies and Microwave Techniques—with shared corporate services supporting both. As the company continues to scale, The Elmet Group is strengthening its operational excellence and continuous improvement capabilities across the enterprise.

Position Overview

• Lead and embed Lean and Continuous Improvement practices across a multi-site manufacturing organization.
• Drive process standardization, performance visibility, and capability building across three manufacturing sites.
• Serve as a strategic coach and change leader partnering closely with Operations and Finance.
• Balance strategic influence with hands-on engagement, particularly in the early stages of building CI culture.
• Operate primarily through dotted-line influence rather than direct authority.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives aligned with operational and business objectives.
• Develop value stream maps for all major processes across multiple sites to identify waste, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Define, prioritize, and maintain a multi-site Kaizen roadmap in collaboration with site and functional leadership.
• Standardize critical workflows and best practices across sites while allowing for appropriate site-level variation.
• Initially lead Kaizen events while coaching and training site teams to independently plan and execute future events.
• Partner with Operations and Finance to define, implement, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Improve KPI visibility through dashboards, visual management tools, and standardized reporting.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret operational data to support fact-based problem solving and decision-making.
• Influence stakeholders across functions and locations through dotted-line relationships.
• Challenge the status quo, hold teams accountable to CI standards, and escalate resistance or barriers to senior leadership as needed.
• Build and reinforce a continuous improvement mindset and culture across all manufacturing sites.

What Success Looks Like

• Value stream maps completed for all major processes across all sites.
• A clearly defined and aligned Kaizen priority list developed with site leadership.
• At least one Kaizen event successfully facilitated at each manufacturing site.
• Improved process consistency and standardization across locations.
• Increased visibility and use of KPIs to support operational decision-making.
• Early indicators of a self-sustaining Continuous Improvement culture at the site level.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading Continuous Improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or operational environment.
• Deep understanding of Lean and Six Sigma principles.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt strongly preferred.
• Strong expertise in root cause analysis tools such as A3, Fishbone, and 5 Whys.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret operational data.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills with a focus on capability building.
• Experience supporting multi-site operations preferred.
• Power BI programming or advanced dashboard development experience is a plus.

Why Join The Elmet Group

• Play a key role in building and maturing the Continuous Improvement function across The Elmet Group.
• Opportunity to work across two dynamic, industry-leading manufacturing organizations.
• High-visibility role with direct impact on operational performance and execution.
• Collaborative culture with leaders who value initiative, accountability, and results.
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.

Search Process Note

The Elmet Group is managing this search directly and is not accepting submissions from outside recruitment firms.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Elmet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve.