Continuous Improvement Manager

Hunter Douglas is the world’s leading manufacturer of window coverings and a major manufacturer of architectural products. With over 100 years of innovation, we’ve defined our industry with proprietary products that deliver revolutionary style and functionality in millions of homes and commercial buildings globally. As part of the Hunter Douglas family, Turnils is a leading distributor of components for custom window coverings across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, offering a fully integrated approach from component supply to machinery, training, and marketing support.

About the role

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for implementing lean methodology and continuous improvement tools, processes, and standardization throughout the HD Outdoor Division and its locations. This role involves writing and enforcing new Standard Work Documents at all workstations, including training, certifying, and auditing employees to ensure adherence to standards and product specifications. The CI Manager drives operational improvement programs such as Kaizen events to foster a culture of continuous improvement, associate empowerment, waste elimination, and enhancements in Safety, Quality, Service, Cost, and Employee Engagement.

Responsibilities

• Engage, enhance, and fully execute the “Hunter Douglas Lean Management System.”
• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects through cross-functional team facilitation and project management.
• Drive adherence to standard work and ensure integration with the Lean Management System.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and tools (e.g., value stream mapping, Kaizen, Charters, 5S, Gemba walks, LMS, root cause problem solving) to identify and develop solutions for operational improvement in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
• Act as primary liaison with steering committees and network with other plant lean leaders to leverage programs for operational improvement and waste elimination.
• Mentor associates in Lean tools, ensuring knowledge transfer and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collect and analyze data on plant processes, procedures, and performance to recommend improvement opportunities and Kaizens.
• Establish collaborative relationships with local plant management.
• Implement and enforce new Standard Work Documents and refresh existing ones for all workstations and products.
• Validate newly written Job Instructions and Standard Work for correctness, process, and layout.
• Certify, train, and audit employees in the use, understanding, and adherence to Standard Work specifications.
• Assist in developing and maintaining a system for updating Standard Work and documenting employee training and certification.
• Review and train employees and management in problem-solving, quality, and analysis tools.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement new ideas, layouts, equipment, and jigs where feasible.
• Ensure processes are followed and consistent product quality is achieved according to internal specifications and external customer expectations.
• Lead Root Cause Corrective Measures (RCCM) activities and quality improvement initiatives in conjunction with operations, Engineering, and Hunter Douglas Product Brand Teams.
• Monitor and implement corrective actions for internal and external Quality through rapid improvement cycles.
• Provide analysis on quality improvement to reduce or eliminate plant-controllable errors.
• Contribute to the HD Lean Culture of continuous improvement by working with managers, supervisors, and employees to identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Effectively communicate with management, peers, shifts, support groups, other Hunter Douglas Divisions, and employees throughout the company.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain strong business relationships.
• Ability to work independently, making sound decisions regarding daily functions and priorities while reporting non-routine decisions to Management.
• Working knowledge of control and quality systems.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills along with superior computer skills (e.g., SAP, EPIC, BW, Excel, Word, PPTX, Minitab or other statistical software).
• Excellent communication and teaching skills, with a strong ability to rally employees and teams.
• Proven ability to adapt and manage effectively in a changing environment.
• Strong understanding of and commitment to manufacturing excellence.
• Precision with the highest focus on quality and customer experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related degree/diploma preferred.
• Six Sigma Certification (Green or Black Belt).
• Prior experience with management systems (ISO, TPS, HDMS).
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a full-time Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma role.
• Strong working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Process Mapping, Value-add/Non-Value-add, Standard Work, Line Balancing, 7 Wastes, hour-by-hour management, gap management, etc.
• Experience leading/facilitating multiple Kaizen events/programs or a key participant role in a large plant lean transformation initiative.
• Ability to use data to guide improvement and Kaizen plans.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize work without close supervision.
• Track record of successful project completion.
• Strong computer and analytical skills.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Paid parental leave.
• Wellness programs and product discounts.

Pay

Annual base salary range: $105,000 - $125,000. Bonus target range: 20%-25%.