Continuous Improvement Manager

About the Role:

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence, and process improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations. This role partners with cross-functional leadership to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost through Lean principles, data-driven decision making, KPI management, waste reduction, and standardized operating practices. The Continuous Improvement Manager, also commonly searched as Lean Manager, Operational Excellence Manager, CI Manager, and Lean Manufacturing Manager, will build a sustainable continuous improvement culture while delivering measurable business results.

Responsibilities:

• Lead continuous improvement programs, Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, and structured process improvement projects that enhance manufacturing performance.
• Analyze operational KPIs, production data, workflows, and process performance to identify opportunities for improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, throughput, and productivity.
• Develop and implement sustainable process improvements using Lean Manufacturing principles, root cause analysis, problem-solving methodologies, waste elimination, and data-driven decision making.
• Facilitate cross-functional teams to identify root causes, remove operational barriers, reduce non-value-added activities, and improve overall process efficiency.
• Establish, document, and standardize manufacturing best practices, standard work, performance standards, and continuous improvement processes across operations.
• Drive measurable improvements in key manufacturing metrics, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), scrap, downtime, throughput, productivity, cost, and on-time delivery.
• Develop and maintain visual management systems, KPI dashboards, tiered performance meetings, and operational review processes that improve accountability and performance visibility.
• Lead and sustain 5S workplace organization initiatives, promoting employee engagement, standardized practices, safety, and operational discipline.
• Train, coach, and mentor employees and leaders in Lean tools, continuous improvement methodologies, Kaizen, problem solving, KPI management, and operational excellence practices.
• Prepare and present project results, performance metrics, improvement opportunities, business impact, and recommendations to organizational leadership.
• Partner with operations, engineering, quality, supply chain, and other functional teams to align continuous improvement activities with strategic business objectives.
• Support technology, manufacturing automation, and process optimization initiatives that improve operational efficiency, scalability, and overall manufacturing performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical or operational discipline.
• Five or more years of continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence, or process improvement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or comparable continuous improvement and operational excellence methodologies.
• Proven ability to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, delivery, manufacturing efficiency, and cost performance.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing KPIs and performance metrics, including OEE, scrap, downtime, throughput, productivity, and on-time delivery.
• Demonstrated analytical, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate operational data into actionable improvement strategies.
• Strong leadership, coaching, facilitation, and influencing skills, including experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple improvement initiatives.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across organizational levels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis tools used for KPI reporting, performance measurement, project analysis, and management presentations.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, organization, and results orientation, with the ability to sustain improvements after implementation.
• Equivalent combinations of relevant education, manufacturing experience, and continuous improvement experience may be considered.

Desired Qualifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or comparable Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement certification.
• Advanced experience with value stream mapping, standard work, 5S, visual management, Kaizen, root cause analysis, waste reduction, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Experience developing or strengthening tiered accountability systems, daily management processes, KPI dashboards, and visual performance management systems.
• Experience supporting manufacturing automation, digital transformation, process technology, or Industry 4.0 initiatives focused on operational performance.
• Demonstrated ability to coach leaders and frontline employees while building a sustainable Lean culture and organization-wide continuous improvement mindset.
• Experience standardizing and deploying operational excellence best practices across multiple manufacturing departments, facilities, or locations.