Continuous Improvement Manager

We are seeking a results-driven Continuous Improvement Manager to lead operational excellence initiatives across our manufacturing facility in Nashville, TN. This highly visible role drives process optimization, improves manufacturing efficiency, reduces waste, and implements sustainable continuous improvement systems that support safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

About the role

The ideal candidate will serve as a hands-on leader and change agent, utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven problem-solving methodologies to improve operational performance. While this position does not initially have direct reports, it will play a critical role in influencing site leadership, developing employee capabilities, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lean & Operational Excellence Leadership
  • Lead Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives focused on improving safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
  • Facilitate Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen events, 5S, SMED, DMAIC projects, and Gemba walks.
  • Develop and maintain standard work, visual management systems, and process documentation.
  • Establish and drive engagement with KPI dashboards including OEE, yield, throughput, scrap, downtime, and rework metrics.
  • Implement daily management systems that sustain continuous improvement gains and accountability.
• Production Performance & Process Optimization
  • Analyze manufacturing processes and identify chronic loss drivers through data collection and performance analysis.
  • Partner with Production teams to improve efficiencies in mixing, forming, tempering, coating, and packaging operations.
  • Develop strategies to increase line speeds, reduce changeover times, and improve batch consistency.
  • Drive initiatives to reduce material waste and improve raw material utilization.
  • Support digital transformation efforts, including MES implementation, automation projects, predictive analytics, and machine monitoring systems.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Collaborate with Maintenance to strengthen preventive and predictive maintenance programs that improve equipment reliability.
  • Partner with Quality teams to reduce defects, improve adherence to specifications, and maintain audit readiness.
  • Work closely with Supply Chain to optimize scheduling, capacity planning, and inventory utilization.
  • Support R&D and commercialization teams in successfully scaling new products from pilot to production.
  • Lead cross-functional improvement projects with defined timelines, measurable objectives, and financial impact targets.
• Training & Culture Development
  • Train and mentor supervisors, technicians, and operators on Lean principles and structured problem-solving methodologies.
  • Facilitate hands-on workshops, Kaizen events, and continuous improvement training programs.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and performance transparency across all shifts.
  • Partner with site leadership and HR to embed continuous improvement competencies into employee development plans.
  • Maintain training records, certification documentation, and capability development metrics.
• Problem Solving & Project Execution
  • Lead root cause investigations using tools such as DMAIC, Fishbone Diagrams, 5 Whys, SPC, and 4M analysis.
  • Implement corrective and preventive actions that deliver sustainable performance improvements.
  • Manage process improvement projects, equipment upgrades, and automation initiatives.
  • Present project results, cost savings, productivity gains, and operational metrics to leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Operations leadership within a manufacturing environment.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt preferred.
• Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, SMED, Kaizen, and operational excellence programs.
• Demonstrated success improving productivity, reducing waste, increasing OEE, and driving measurable operational improvements.
• Strong analytical skills with experience utilizing production data, KPIs, statistical analysis, and performance reporting systems.
• Experience with manufacturing analytics tools such as MES, Power BI, Minitab, SPC software, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or high-speed processing/packaging environments.
• Knowledge of FDA, GFSI, HACCP, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting greenfield or brownfield facility projects, equipment installations, and production scale-ups.
• Familiarity with automation, Industry 4.0 technologies, production analytics, and digital manufacturing tools.
• Advanced Power BI and data visualization experience.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $140,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a permanent, fully onsite position based in Nashville, TN.