Continuous Improvement Manager

Join Plymouth Tube as a Continuous Improvement Manager and play a key role in driving operational excellence across our manufacturing operations. In this hands-on mill leadership position, you will partner with teams at all levels to implement Lean Management and Six Sigma principles, improve processes, and strengthen our culture of continuous improvement. Your efforts will help deliver measurable results in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and growth while developing the capabilities of our teams for long-term success.

Position Summary

Through the Continuous Improvement Department (CI), this position will be responsible for coordination of improvement activities using Lean Management/Six Sigma tools like 6S, Standard Work, TPM, and SMED and driving Visual Management and Daily Management to deliver continued improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Revenue Growth.

Essential Responsibilities

Train, coach, and mentor local Mill team, at all levels, on Lean Management/Six Sigma principles to create competence deep and wide to drive the culture of continuous improvement. This is a hands-on role.

• Lead and execute Continuous Improvement transformation improvement initiatives, including annual plans and improved process methods and practices to improve operating performance.
• Lead, participate, and facilitate formal rapid improvement events to drive LEAN principles, leading to improved safety, quality, delivery, cost, and revenue growth.
• Coach and mentor / facilitate local teams in Problem Solving using the tenets of the Lean Management/Six Sigma.
• Support improvement activities that are consistent with the needs of the Continuous Improvement. Provide coordination and communication for change initiatives.
• Support an operating culture that promotes involvement, communication, mutual trust & respect, expectations and accountability and a passion for excellence.
• Own and role model Plymouth Tube values and behaviors to develop and transform the Company culture. Ensure that these values and behaviors are a part of everyday life at Plymouth Tube.
• Participate in safety related activities as requested or relied upon.

Core Responsibilities

Model Plymouth Tube values and behaviors as outlined in the Mission Statement
Represent Plymouth Tube in a professional manner
Follow all company Environmental and Safety policies, procedures and standards
Follow all company Quality Standards

Qualifications and Education Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in engineering or comparable technical degree. An MBA would be a plus. 

Minimum of 5 years’ experience with Continuous Improvement preferred.

Must demonstrate the ability to get things done through others.

Must be self-motivated, have a high sense of urgency, be able to problem solve complex situations and be resourceful. 

Experience in lean manufacturing/Toyota Production System.

Travel is a requirement of the position and could reach a level of 25%.

Desired Characteristics

• Care & Commitment: Takes pride in doing quality work, follows through on commitments, embraces change, and looks for ways to improve safety, quality, and processes.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively, treats others with respect, communicates openly, and supports teammates to achieve shared goals.
• Customer Focus: Understands customer needs, ensures accuracy and quality, and follows through on commitments to both internal and external customers.
• Initiative: Takes ownership, solves problems proactively, acts with urgency, and speaks up about safety or process concerns.

Leadership Competencies

• Results Driven: Perseveres through challenges, adapts to changing priorities, and continuously looks for better ways of working.
• Leadership: Leads by example, develops others, builds strong relationships, and creates a positive, high-performing team culture.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively, collaborates across teams, and keeps others informed and engaged.
• Continuous Improvement: Promotes Lean thinking, uses data to drive decisions, leads improvement efforts, and ensures sustainable results.
• Safety Leadership: Champions a strong safety culture by making safety the top priority and encouraging continuous improvement.

Job-Specific Competencies

• Continuous Improvement Expertise: Leads Lean Management and Six Sigma initiatives, facilitates problem-solving, coaches teams, drives measurable improvements, and partners with leaders to build a culture of continuous improvement.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

This job operates in both a professional office and in a manufacturing environment. This job is required to use standard office equipment such as computers, phones and copiers. Must Wear appropriate PPE on shop floor when in the mills.

The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran