Continuous Improvement Manager
About the role
A leading industrial manufacturing organization is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to drive operational excellence initiatives at a growing Southern California facility. This is a newly created role with significant visibility, reporting directly to the General Manager and partnering with site leadership to improve productivity, quality, safety, and overall operational performance. The client is a well-established industrial manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality, customer service, and employee retention, operating multiple sites nationwide and valuing collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. The organization has experienced significant investment and growth and is expanding its operational excellence function.
Responsibilities
- Lead Lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives
- Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and process improvement workshops
- Partner with leaders to identify and eliminate waste
- Analyze KPIs and operational data to uncover improvement opportunities
- Develop sustainable operating systems and standardized work practices
- Drive improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost
- Coach leaders and employees on Lean methodologies and best practices
- Lead cross-functional improvement projects and track measurable results
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related engineering discipline
- 7+ years of manufacturing continuous improvement or Lean experience
- Strong experience facilitating Kaizen events and Lean transformations
- Ability to influence cross-functional leaders without direct authority
- Expertise in operational metrics, productivity improvement, and manufacturing processes
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Qualifications (Preferred)
- Aerospace or automotive manufacturing experience
- Lean Six Sigma certification
- Bilingual capabilities
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Unlimited PTO
- 10 paid company holidays
- 401(k) with 4% company match
Pay
- Base salary: $130,000–$150,000
- Performance-based bonus