Continuous Improvement Manager

Onsite in Allentown, OH, United States

About the role

Join our top-notch team of approximately 43,500 diverse and high-performing professionals globally who are making their mark on some of the world’s most beloved brands, including DEWALT®, BLACK+DECKER®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, CUB CADET®, and HUSTLER®.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy: Champion the continuous improvement vision and align site strategy with corporate lean objectives. Lead, mentor, and develop the Continuous Improvement (CI) team, providing clear direction and fostering a high-performance culture. Inspire and motivate personnel at all levels to embrace continuous improvement principles.
• Process Improvement: Analyze current processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop actionable strategies for improvement. Plan, coordinate, and facilitate rapid improvement events (e.g., Kaizen, RIE, OEE, SMED, Line Balancing, 5S). Collaborate with all departments to establish and maintain standards that support corporate goals.
• Training & Development: Design and deliver training programs on lean manufacturing tools and principles for all staff, including management. Identify and address ongoing training and educational needs within the department. Onboard and train new personnel in CI methodologies and best practices.
• Project Management & Execution: Oversee the selection, qualification, and development of CI personnel. Track and report on the progress of improvement projects, ensuring timely completion and realization of benefits. Maintain all documentation related to CI initiatives and departmental activities.
• Performance Management: Conduct timely, unbiased performance evaluations for CI team members. Manage time and attendance approvals using relevant HR software (e.g., UKG, Workday).
• Collaboration & Communication: Facilitate weekly site productivity meetings and monthly corporate productivity reviews to ensure alignment with targets. Maintain active involvement with SBD performance excellence programs (e.g., SPX). Encourage open communication, empowering staff to identify concerns and suggest improvement opportunities.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all personnel understand and adhere to safe and proper use of equipment. Support compliance with ISO standards and internal policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (required).
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred; Green Belt acceptable.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience in operations improvement or process optimization.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing, ISO standards, and policy/procedure development.
• Proven track record of successful project development, management, and implementation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel and Power BI.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of initiative, adaptability, and commitment to driving organizational change.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship (H1B, OPT/CPT, TN etc).

Pay

The salary range for this position is $110,600.00 - $178,000.00 annually. This is the lowest to highest annual full-time salary range we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. The salary offered within the range may vary depending on multiple factors including job level, geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and in compliance with local wage requirements. The successful candidate may be eligible for annual merit increases.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life, vision, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Paid time off, including paid vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Well-being programs and support.
• Discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and other partner programs.
• Access to state-of-the-art learning resources, including Lean Academy and online university (certificates and specializations from renowned colleges and universities).