Continuous Improvement Manager

About PFX™

We engineer leading fluid solutions that keep the world moving and we’re building a better future while we do it. As a vertically integrated global powerhouse, we operate 17 manufacturing facilities and 4 R&D centers across the world, delivering performance from lab to road in over 40 countries.

PFX Group™ brings together a family of trusted companies including Recochem, Prestone, Adam’s Polishes, B&B Blending, Kost USA, Ultra Clear, POR and Auto-Chem, each with deep expertise, regional insight, and a shared commitment to engineering excellence.

From automotive and heavy-duty thermal management systems to household and industrial solutions, our products are built for performance, reliability, and a commitment to sustainability. Join us and be part of a team that’s redefining what’s possible in fluid technology.

Continuous Improvement Manager Position Overview

The Continuous Improvement Manager drives initiatives that strengthen operational performance across the facility. This position is responsible for creating and executing Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement strategies to boost efficiency and overall results. Key duties include supporting organizational change efforts, identifying areas for improvement, refining plant layouts and workflow, and enhancing equipment performance and throughput. The role also focuses on evaluating material and production processes, overseeing CapEx projects, and promoting best practices throughout the organization.

This is a full-time, on-site position based at our Alsip, IL facility.

The expected compensation for this position is an annual salary of $120,000-$140,000 depending on experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities:

• Acts as a change agent to drive business strategies, supporting management/cross functional decisions by communicating the company-wide changes to team members; helping them to learn, understand, adjust and grow with the business's Lean Six Sigma approach. Act as the site CI SME to implement CI programs and initiatives.
• Work closely with functional leaders to identify opportunities for improvement and leverage Lean Six Sigma methodology to drive manufacturing improvement.
• Plan and execute plant layout, process flow, and machine capability improvements.
• Utilize Design for Manufacturability (DFM) approach to ensure production lines are balanced and employee interactions are minimized.
• Analyze and troubleshoot manufacturing/business requirements including the flow of materials, assemblies, project plans, production capacity, facility design and creation of associated process documentation for improvement and loss reduction.
• Identify and implement solutions for product yield loss reduction, step change increases in equipment availability and overall production line throughput focusing on disciplined management of change.
• Participate in CI team meetings and share company-wide best practices, set the priorities for the business excellence and identify future projects.
• Drive improvement in key functional metrics based on benchmarking to identify and share best practices.
• Lead Cap Ex projects, analyze and improve manufacturing processes, production capacity, facility design and creation of associated documents / SOPs.
• Develop budgets, cost analysis, track data and contribute to financial reviews on all improvement projects and initiatives.
• Support the Finance team to track the benefits from projects to ensure changes are sustained.
• Utilize project management tools and engineering discipline to define and implement solutions that meet project goals and objectives within budgeted timelines, costs and resources.

Competencies:

• Team Work: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members. Offers constructive feedback and advice to others in a tactful manner. Accepts and considers feedback and advice to enhance probability of desired outcomes. Works effectively across all functions and levels.
• Initiative: Proactively seeks and seizes opportunities to improve the company’s offerings and overall positioning. Develops and refines strategic plans and action plans to achieve declared objectives. Effectively communicates / sells those plans to others, gathers and incorporates further input where appropriate and then implements action steps efficiently and prudently.
• Business Acumen: Firm working knowledge of business concepts and emerging business climate. Continually improves knowledge of market, customers, competitors, suppliers, technologies. Connects all decisions and activities to Stakeholders, to Strategic Goals and to the Bottom Line.

Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively with plant floor team, peers and management
• Good written skills for creating business presentations, internal reports, and communications.
• Situational Leadership skills and strong personal accountability to achieve goals.
• Ability to work with and influence team members and or contractors to meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail and persistence in resolving issues and discrepancies
• Strong project management experience
• Strong knowledge of process improvement techniques
• Advanced Lean knowledge and Six Sigma
• Lean manufacturing principles and Kaizen facilitation
• Ability to read drawings and equipment schematics
• Strong knowledge of Outlook, Word and Power Point
• Advanced knowledge of Excel
• Knowledge of ACAD
• CI Database (Vorne) knowledge is an asset
• Knowledge of flowcharting software is an asset

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or related degree or experience
• 5-10 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
• Project engineering experience is an asset.
• Black belt certified or equivalent training and experience.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

This position is located in an office setting and is climate controlled. Activity consists of primarily sitting for majority of the day. At times walking to the production areas will be required.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Career growth opportunities – we prioritize internal promotions
• Generous 401k match
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, vision and dental coverage and Telemedicine
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance program – support for continued education and professional development

Please note: A pre-employment background check, including a criminal record check and drug testing, is required.

PFX is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.