What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr Continuous Improvement Manager position at OPTIMA ORGANIZATIONAL SOLUTIONS?
Our client is a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of premium commercial and industrial HVAC equipment, they have requested us to search for a seasoned Sr Continuous Improvement Manager to lead all CI efforts in one of their Business Units, position can be located in Tulsa OK, Memphis TN or Longview TX, relocation assistance available.
SUMMARY
The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager leads enterprise-wide continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational performance, quality, and efficiency across multiple sites. This role partners with operations leadership and cross-functional teams to embed structured improvement methods and foster a culture of accountability and excellence. The position supports organizational objectives by driving waste reduction, improving process stability, and strengthening problem-solving capabilities. The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager serves as a change leader and coach, ensuring sustainable improvement and measurable business results.
PRIMARY DUTIES
REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
SUMMARY
The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager leads enterprise-wide continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational performance, quality, and efficiency across multiple sites. This role partners with operations leadership and cross-functional teams to embed structured improvement methods and foster a culture of accountability and excellence. The position supports organizational objectives by driving waste reduction, improving process stability, and strengthening problem-solving capabilities. The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager serves as a change leader and coach, ensuring sustainable improvement and measurable business results.
PRIMARY DUTIES
- Leads the deployment of continuous improvement strategies aligned with organizational and operational excellence objectives.
- Partners with operations leadership and site teams to identify performance gaps and implement structured improvement plans.
- Facilitates improvement activities, including workshops, process reviews, and hands-on improvement events, to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
- Coaches leaders and frontline teams in continuous improvement principles, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Drives a culture of workplace observation and accountability by identifying process deviations and supporting corrective action plans.
- Identifies and delivers cost reduction and productivity improvement opportunities while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Analyzes operational data and performance metrics to track progress and communicate results to leadership.
- Serves as a change agent by promoting employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement behaviors across sites.
- Hires, trains, coaches, counsels, and evaluates performance of direct reports.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related discipline;
- 8 years of experience in manufacturing or operations environments, including 5 years leading or supporting continuous improvement initiatives, or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
- Experience supporting multi-site operations is preferred. Experience within durable goods manufacturing or related industries is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Strong working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and operational excellence principles.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Solid understanding of operational performance metrics, business planning, and cost drivers.
- Effective project management skills with a strong focus on execution and sustainability.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage all levels of the organization.
- Proven ability to support change management and build credibility through collaboration and coaching.