Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager

Responsibilities

Lead the transformation. Elevate performance. Build a culture of Operational Excellence.

We’re seeking a passionate CI/OpEx leader to drive continuous improvement across our plant and embed Operational Excellence as a daily mindset. In this role, you’ll guide cross-functional teams, accelerate performance, unlock cost savings, and shape a culture rooted in Lean principles, problem solving, and accountability.

If you’re a strategic thinker, skilled facilitator, data‑driven problem solver, and inspiring coach, this is your opportunity to make a site‑wide impact.

Role Summary

The CI Manager leads the deployment, execution, and sustainment of Operational Excellence initiatives throughout the plant. You will coach teams, oversee CI workstreams, drive daily issue resolution, and deliver measurable improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People. As a change agent, you’ll partner with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Safety, HR, Finance, and Logistics to eliminate losses, optimize processes, and enhance supply chain performance.

What You’ll Do

Operational Excellence Leadership

• Lead CI and OpEx initiatives that drive measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people capability.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and deploy Lean/CI tools across the plant.
• Establish and sustain Daily Management systems, Leader Standard Work, and Tiered Accountability.

Diagnostics & Problem Solving

• Conduct structured loss analysis using data (MES, CMMS, SPC, dashboards) and Gemba insights.
• Teach and coach RCA, A3, 5‑Why, Fishbone, PDCA, DMAIC, and other CI methodologies.
• Identify and prioritize high‑impact improvement opportunities.

Planning & Execution

• Develop and coach clear implementation plans with defined scope, owners, milestones, and sustainability measures.
• Track and report savings; manage CI project pipelines and remove barriers to progress.
• Partner with Finance to validate cost savings and ensure long‑term sustainment.

Capability Building

• Serve as the site’s primary trainer for Lean, Problem Solving, and CI skills.
• Build capability across leaders and frontline teams using a structured training roadmap.
• Facilitate training in Standard Work, Visual Management, 5S, Kaizen, TPM basics, and more.

Cost & Zero Loss Management

• Lead Zero Loss processes to quantify losses and build improvement pipelines.
• Ensure cost savings are captured, verified, and fully embedded in plant processes.
• Implement controls to prevent backsliding and maintain improvement momentum.

Program & Change Leadership

• Oversee CI/OpEx program governance and ensure alignment with Safety, Quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Influence and coach leaders at all levels to adopt new ways of working.
• Share best practices and support cross‑site collaboration.

Performance Monitoring

• Track KPIs using digital dashboards; identify trends and drive action.
• Lead monthly performance reviews and maintain documentation and audit‑ready standard work.

Qualifications

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of manufacturing experience with 3–5 years leading TPM, Lean, or Six Sigma initiatives.
• 2 years of leadership or people‑management experience.
• Proven record of delivering measurable CI results with financial impact.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and influence skills at all levels.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau); familiarity with MES, CMMS, SPC.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.
• Broad exposure to manufacturing functions (Ops, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering).
• Experience deploying OpEx systems and leading organizational capability programs.
• Background in TPM, Visual Factory, 5S, SMED, VSM, or other WCM/Lean pillars.

Work Environment

• On‑site role, Monday–Friday (1st shift).
• Frequent time on the plant floor including walking, standing, and observing operations (PPE required).
• Occasional travel for training, benchmarking, or cross‑site collaboration.
• Relocation Assistance is provided**