Continuous Improvement Manager

About the role

Constellation Search Group is looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager for a full-time direct hire position. In this role, the Continuous Improvement Manager will lead the deployment and sustainment of a plant-wide continuous improvement system while fostering a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and disciplined execution. This position partners closely with plant leadership, engineering, operations, and cross-functional teams to implement Lean manufacturing principles, drive process improvements, and deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, deployment, and sustainment of the plant's Continuous Improvement System, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational priorities.
• Partner with plant leadership to develop and execute continuous improvement strategies that support business objectives.
• Identify, prioritize, and lead initiatives that drive sustainable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity (SQDCP).
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, maintenance, and technical teams to implement process improvements and support new technologies and automation.
• Manage the continuous improvement project portfolio, ensuring projects are properly scoped, executed, and achieve targeted operational and financial results.
• Establish auditing and governance processes that reinforce continuous improvement standards and drive accountability throughout the organization.
• Facilitate regular operational reviews to assess performance, identify improvement opportunities, and adjust action plans as needed.
• Champion Lean manufacturing tools and methodologies, including Kaizen, Daily Management Systems, Standard Work, 6S, Layered Process Audits, and structured problem-solving.
• Coach and develop leaders and employees to build sustainable continuous improvement capabilities across the organization.
• Design and deliver training programs to strengthen Lean, technical, and leadership competencies.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to share best practices and standardize successful processes across multiple locations.
• Develop, monitor, and report key performance indicators that demonstrate the operational and financial impact of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure employee engagement, successful implementation, and long-term sustainability of process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience leading continuous improvement initiatives within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence methodologies in a manufacturing setting.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders without direct reporting authority.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to translate operational improvements into measurable business results.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience with manufacturing systems such as SAP, automation technologies, or manufacturing data platforms is preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma certification and previous leadership or supervisory experience are a plus.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings plan