Continuous Improvement Manager

About the role

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence and creating measurable value across a thermal engineered materials manufacturing site. This is a highly hands-on role that requires deep engagement with day-to-day operations, learning the manufacturing processes end-to-end, and identifying practical opportunities for improvement, throughput gains, and cost savings.

Responsibilities

• Partner with plant leadership to develop and execute a site-wide Continuous Improvement roadmap aligned with financial and operational goals

• Drive throughput and capacity improvements by identifying bottlenecks, optimizing workflows, and improving process reliability

• Lead cross-functional teams using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies (DMAIC, A3, 8D)

• Implement and sustain layered process audits (LPAs) to reinforce standards and drive accountability

• Conduct regular Gemba walks to observe processes, engage teams, and identify real-time improvement opportunities

• Identify inefficiencies and cost drivers, and implement sustainable corrective actions

• Develop and maintain value stream maps to eliminate waste and improve flow

• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are updated and standardized following process improvements

• Support capital projects by ensuring operational efficiency and risk reduction are built into design and execution

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of on-site manufacturing experience, including leadership or management responsibility

• Demonstrated success improving throughput, capacity, and operational performance

• Experience implementing LPAs, conducting Gemba walks, and driving standard work

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills

• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels of the organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies

• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab, etc.)