Continuous Improvement Manager

About the role

ITEC (a MacLean Power Systems Company) in Monroe, North Carolina, has an exciting opportunity for a Continuous Improvement Manager. This is a key position in the plant that leads the development, implementation, and sustainment of continuous improvement SPQDC initiatives within a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Establish and deploy standardized Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, A3, Line Balancing) across plant operations.
• Drive identification, prioritization, and execution of improvement opportunities aligned to business strategy.
• Ensure consistent application of waste elimination, One Piece Flow optimization, and variation reduction principles.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across all functional areas in cooperation with Safety and Quality.
• Lead data-driven analysis using statistical tools (e.g., Pareto, regression, control charts, and capability analysis).
• Translate operational data into actionable insights to identify root causes and systemic issues.
• Validate improvements through quantified performance metrics (COPQ, yield, cycle time, OEE, defect rates).
• Ensure sustainability through ongoing data monitoring and control plans.
• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives from charter through implementation and benefit realization.
• Develop detailed project plans, including: Scope definition. Baseline performance analysis. Milestones and deliverables and Resource planning, e.g. A3, Asana, etc.
• Track and report progress against KPIs, ensuring on-time, measurable deliverables.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of manufacturing and business processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and risks, e.g. Visio, Process Mapping, Value Stream Mapping.
• Evaluate process performance relative to: Quality standards, Throughput and capacity and Cost and waste.
• Recommend improvements impacting layout, material flow, automation, and equipment utilization.
• Ensure all CI activities are fully documented, standardized, and aligned with ISO requirements (e.g., controlled procedures, work instructions, control plans).
• Conduct formal risk assessments (e.g., FMEA, risk matrices) for all major process changes and improvement initiatives while integrating risk-based thinking into all CI initiatives.
• Evaluate impacts across: Safety and environmental compliance, Quality and customer requirements, and Operational continuity and capacity.
• Lead and coach CI practitioners and cross-functional teams in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Provide training on: Structured problem solving, Data analysis techniques, and Standard work and process discipline.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Quality, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong experience in data analysis and statistical tools.
• Prominent ability to lead cross-functional improvement projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001 systems and risk-based thinking.

Skills

• Analytical Rigor: Strong statistical and data-driven decision-making capability.
• Project Leadership: Ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Change Leadership: Effective in driving adoption and managing organizational change.
• Risk Awareness: Proactive identification and mitigation of operational risks.
• Communication: Clear, structured communication with all levels of the organization.
• Coaching & Development: Builds CI capability across teams.
• Advanced Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis: Expert-level application of structured problem-solving tools, including A3 thinking, 5-Why analysis, Ishikawa (Fishbone) diagrams.
• Structured Change Management & Improvement Methodologies: Demonstrated expertise in applying structured continuous improvement and change management frameworks, such as PDCA, DMAIC, DFSS, Kaizen, etc.

Benefits

Total Rewards Offering: ITEC (a MacLean Power Systems Company) offers a competitive compensation package; including a bonus potential based on company performance and a dynamic work environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and professional growth. A comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision, 401k with employer match, employer-paid disability and more...