Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Manager

Location: Belton, SC

Employment Type: Full-time

Seniority Level: Senior Level 

Industry: Manufacturing | Mechanical Power Transmission Components | Engineering Services

Job Function: Continuous Improvement| Engineering 

Job Summary: The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for evaluating and optimizing work processes across the plant. This role develops and implements strategies, systems, and programs that drive productivity, eliminate waste, strengthen data-driven decision making, and enhance overall operational performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze and evaluate current manufacturing and business processes, partnering with all functional areas to drive meaningful and sustainable improvements.
• Develop and deploy strategies, tools, and programs that enhance productivity across plant operations.
• Apply lean methodologies—including problem solving, root cause analysis, and waste elimination—to evaluate and validate improvement opportunities.
• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives such as kaizen events, workflow optimization, 5S implementation and sustainment, and downtime reduction activities.
• Use data analytics to monitor key performance metrics, identify improvement opportunities, and execute targeted projects that elevate plant performance.
• Utilize data automation tools (e.g., Power BI, macros, scripts) to build automated reporting and reduce nonvalue added administrative effort across the plant.
• Establish performance baselines, track progress, and communicate cost savings and efficiency results to corporate leadership.
• Facilitate cross functional employee teams to build collaboration, strengthen problem solving capabilities, and improve team outcomes.
• Provide direct leadership and oversight to Continuous Improvement Technicians, plant IT personnel, and related functions.

Required Qualifications:

• Analytical Thinking: Capable of collecting and interpreting data, diagnosing issues, designing workflows, and developing evidence-based solutions.
• Design & Visualization: Able to translate concepts into visual workflows, process maps, and presentations; incorporates feedback and demonstrates strong attention to detail.
• Problem Solving: Proficient in identifying problems, determining root causes, and implementing effective solutions in a timely manner.
• Project Management: Skilled at creating project plans, managing stakeholders, and delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Technical Aptitude: Continuously builds technical knowledge and shares expertise across the organization.
• Customer Service Orientation: Actively seeks feedback and responds to needs with urgency and professionalism.
• Interpersonal Skills: Open to new ideas, adaptable, and effective in collaborative environments.
• Communication: Clear and confident verbal communicator; able to present to groups and convey technical information with humility and clarity at all organizational levels.
• Leadership: Inspires and motivates others, provides clear direction, encourages innovation, and recognizes contributions.
• Teamwork: Fosters a positive team environment, strengthens morale, and builds commitment to shared goals.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Operations, or a related technical field highly preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk frequently; occasional sitting, kneeling, stooping, or crouching.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms and perform fine motor tasks.
• Close vision and depth perception are required.
• Ability to speak and hear in a manufacturing environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work for a collaborative, experienced leadership team.
• Be part of an industry leader with a strong brand reputation and an innovation-driven culture.

RBC Bearings is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.