Continuous Improvement Manager

About the role

The Continuous Improvement Manager plays a pivotal role in driving operational excellence across GATX Rail North America, including our Repair Service Centers. This position is responsible for leading strategic process improvement initiatives that enhance Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost performance. By applying Lean methodologies and structured problem-solving techniques, the manager will help build a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline. The ideal candidate is passionate about transforming processes, optimizing operations, and using data-driven insights to deliver measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Lead Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Kaizen/Blitz activities to drive change with sustainable results
• Analyze data, identify and scope improvement opportunities
• Acquire cross functional involvement
• Develop ownership for results
• Responsible for establishing baseline and tracking/reporting realized improvement
• Ensure improvements are sustained
• Lead projects supporting strategic initiatives as identified through goal deployment
• 5S implementation
• Be a driver for Daily Visual Management
• Support facility capital projects
• Educate and train in the pursuit of creating a problem-solving culture to achieve goals within the organization
• Coach in A3 thinking, PDCA, Root Cause Analysis and other problem-solving methodologies
• Facilitate and empower teams to engage in local problem-solving
• Teach others to lead their own events, and initiate rapid change at all levels of the organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering or other relevant discipline is required
• 5 years' minimum supervisory experience in industrial environment
• Experience in a low-volume/high-mix industry or multiple, varied industries is preferred
• Experience with data analysis, KPI development, and visual performance management systems preferred
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification is preferred
• Project Management certification and experience a plus
• Analytical Skills

Schedule

This is a hybrid position that will require the employee to work in the office at least 3 days a week throughout the year.

Pay

Salary range: $111,800.00 USD - $141,000.00 USD. This role may be eligible to participate in the Company's short-term incentive plan.

Travel requirements vary with assignments but could be as much as 35% of the time across GATX fixed facilities. Must be physically able to climb on equipment within a maintenance facility, stand on feet for extended periods in a plant environment.