Continuous Improvement Leader

Location: Andover (CDP), MA Salary: $35.00 USD Hourly - $45.00 USD Hourly Description:
Continuous Improvement Leader

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Leader
Employment Type: Contract (6 Months)
Target Start Date: Mid-September 2026
Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Leader to drive operational excellence initiatives within a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for leading continuous improvement efforts across the entire value stream, from front-end processes through production and delivery. The successful candidate will partner with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to improve productivity, optimize operational performance, reduce waste, and support manufacturing excellence initiatives.

This position will serve as a key leader in Lean transformation efforts, Smart Factory deployment, productivity initiatives, and production system sustainability while fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Continuous Improvement Leadership

• Lead and execute the plant's continuous improvement strategy across operational and manufacturing processes.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives to improve efficiency, quality, productivity, and overall business performance.
• Facilitate and lead Kaizen events while coaching teams on continuous improvement methodologies.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and develop action plans to achieve measurable results.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence and continuous learning throughout the facility.

Operational Excellence & Production Systems

• Ensure sustainability and ongoing advancement of the plant's production system framework.
• Support implementation of manufacturing excellence principles and best practices.
• Drive adoption of Short Interval Management (SIM), visual management, material flow improvements, and standardized work practices.
• Lead value stream optimization efforts to reduce lead times and eliminate non-value-added activities.
• Develop and maintain current-state and future-state Value Stream Maps.

Productivity & Cost Savings

• Develop annual productivity improvement plans and track execution against targets.
• Monitor and report labor productivity metrics using standard reporting tools and processes.
• Lead cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives throughout manufacturing operations.
• Partner with plant leadership to prioritize projects that improve performance and profitability.
• Track project results and ensure sustainability of implemented improvements.

Smart Factory & Strategic Initiatives

• Lead deployment of Smart Factory solutions and digital manufacturing initiatives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between plant operations and corporate continuous improvement teams.
• Support implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and automation solutions.
• Identify opportunities to leverage data and technology to drive operational performance improvements.

Change Management & Leadership

• Influence and engage stakeholders at all organizational levels to support process improvements.
• Lead change management efforts associated with operational transformations.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to achieve continuous improvement objectives.
• Coach and develop employees on Lean Manufacturing principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Build organizational capability in manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• 4 years of experience working within a production system environment (Toyota Production System or similar manufacturing systems).
• Proven experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Extensive experience with Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies, including:
  • 5S
  • Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
  • SMED
  • Visual Management
  • Kaizen
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Waste Elimination
• Experience leading cost savings and productivity improvement projects.
• Experience within industrial manufacturing, mechanical assembly, and/or electrical assembly environments.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and continuous improvement project execution.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma certification or related continuous improvement credentials.
• Experience implementing Smart Factory, Industry 4.0, or digital manufacturing initiatives.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and enterprise-wide improvement efforts.
• Strong understanding of change management principles and organizational transformation.
• Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority and drive sustainable results.

Key Competencies

• Lean Manufacturing
• Operational Excellence
• Continuous Improvement
• Kaizen Facilitation
• Value Stream Mapping
• Production Systems
• Change Management
• Project Management
• Smart Manufacturing
• Productivity Improvement
• Cost Reduction
• Data Analysis
• Manufacturing Excellence
• Leadership & Team Development

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Achievement of productivity and cost reduction targets.
• Successful execution of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Reduction in process waste and lead times.
• Sustainability of implemented improvements.
• Increased adoption of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Successful deployment of Smart Factory initiatives.
• Employee engagement and capability development in operational excellence practices.

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This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Please apply with us today!

Salary : $35 - $45