Continuous Improvement Lead

About Us

BW Converting is a strategic alliance of resources and services that bring together several Barry-Wehmiller companies — Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), Winkler + Dünnebier (W+D), STAX Technologies, Hudson-Sharp, Baldwin Technologies and Northern Engraving and Machine. These industry leaders offer trusted brands and innovative technologies in the design, manufacture, and service of high-performance converting and packaging machinery for the tissue, nonwovens, hygiene, bag-converting, mailing, and printing industries. Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.

Job Description

The Continuous Improvement Lead will lead operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across Green Bay manufacturing operations, driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and people performance. This role is responsible for translating business priorities into practical improvement plans, deploying Lean and problem-solving methodologies, optimizing processes, and strengthening the site’s continuous improvement culture. The position partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional teams to implement sustainable solutions, improve performance through data-driven insights, and develop internal capability by coaching leaders and frontline teams.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Translate platform and site business priorities into annual and multi-year continuous improvement plans for Green Bay plants and value streams.
• Deploy and sustain a standardized continuous improvement operating system that drives execution, accountability, and performance across the site.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and people performance.
• Serve as an internal improvement partner by providing hands-on expertise, facilitation, coaching, and tactical support to ensure the right interventions are implemented.
• Establish follow-up plans, accountability routines, sustainment audits, and control mechanisms to ensure improvements are adopted and maintained.
• Plan and facilitate improvement events, workshops, and training sessions that build capability, improve process performance, and support business strategy.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other functions to identify improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by enabling teams through structured methodologies, standard work, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Develop, maintain, and review KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics to measure operational efficiency, project impact, and progress against improvement targets.
• Facilitate structured root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies, including A3, DMAIC, RCCM, 5 Whys, and fishbone analysis, to resolve complex operational issues.
• Coach and mentor leaders and frontline teams to build continuous improvement capability, ownership, and accountability.
• Lead cross-functional projects to ensure alignment with business objectives, timelines, resource plans, and financial targets.
• Apply Lean manufacturing tools such as Kaizen, value stream mapping, SMED, standard work, visual management, 5S, and waste elimination to optimize processes.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, compliance, operational discipline, and data-driven decision making across all levels of the organization.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Ten or more years of experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, supply chain, or a related environment, including at least five years leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Licenses/Certifications: Lean certification and/or Six Sigma Black Belt preferred; demonstrated equivalent capability may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, structured problem solving, daily management systems, value stream improvement, and change management principles.
• Demonstrated ability to assess processes, identify performance gaps, develop improvement plans, and align actions with organizational objectives and business priorities.
• Proven success leading process improvement projects that deliver measurable operational and financial results; experience in large or complex manufacturing organizations preferred.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to evaluate project benefits, manage budgetary resources, and connect improvement work to cost, productivity, and margin impact.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, prioritize opportunities, and make data-driven decisions.
• Effective leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to guide, motivate, and align cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Demonstrated success coaching and mentoring leaders and frontline teams in Lean, Six Sigma, problem-solving tools, and continuous improvement behaviors.
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, listening, facilitation, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage audiences from shop floor teams to platform leadership.
• Ability to recommend practical, fit-for-purpose solutions that address the problem at hand without creating unnecessary complexity or cost.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, navigate conflict, foster collaboration, and maintain effective relationships across a diverse stakeholder group.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and solve manufacturing and supply chain-related issues.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not directly supervise associates. However, the role provides indirect leadership through coaching, facilitation, training, and cross-functional project leadership to influence results across the organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typically sits, grasps items, and performs keyboarding for frequent operation of a computer. Stands, walks, bends, reaches, or otherwise moves about occasionally. Lifts, moves, or otherwise transfers items up to 30 lbs. occasionally. Occasionally exposed to typical machine shop physical hazards. Travels by air or car occasionally.