Continuous Improvement - Project Leader

About the role

Shape your future at IEWC! As an employee‑owner, you will be a valued team member, contributing to something bigger and gaining skills that will set your career up for hypergrowth. This position leads and scales enterprise‑wide lean transformation initiatives across global manufacturing, distribution, and transactional operations. The role leverages advanced analytics, business intelligence, and lean methodologies to drive sustainable operational excellence, cost optimization, and cultural change. The individual will establish continuous improvement frameworks, standardize best practices across regions, and deliver measurable performance improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate enterprise‑level lean transformation initiatives, including value‑stream optimization across manufacturing, distribution, and administrative functions.
• Champion and lead advanced Kaizen events, workshops, and problem‑solving sessions across multiple sites and regions.
• Establish, standardize, and sustain global KPIs, tiered management systems, and visual performance‑management frameworks.
• Drive data‑informed decision‑making through analytics, statistics, and performance trending.
• Lead A3 problem solving and root‑cause analysis to eliminate systemic inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve process capability.
• Oversee development, standardization, and continuous improvement of SOPs, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, and operational‑excellence standards.
• Support new‑business integration, facility start‑ups, and global expansion initiatives through CI deployment and operational readiness.
• Develop and implement global training programs to build lean capability, including coaching leaders and mentoring CI practitioners.
• Conduct CI maturity assessments, audits, and benchmarking across sites to ensure consistency and continuous progression.
• Lead cross‑functional and cross‑regional teams to execute high‑impact projects, including capital investments and process‑transformation initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards across all operational processes.
• Collaborate across global sites to identify, validate, and scale cost‑saving and productivity‑improvement initiatives.
• Adapt responsibilities to evolving business needs, including expanded global scope and strategic program ownership.

Values and Competencies

• Acts as a change agent, fostering a lean mindset and influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Builds high‑performing, collaborative teams across global locations and functions.
• Exhibits resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking in complex, fast‑paced environments.
• Demonstrates strong alignment with IEWC’s vision, values, and purpose while driving a culture of continuous improvement.

Technical Skills

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• 5–7+ years of experience leading lean/continuous‑improvement initiatives in a global manufacturing and/or distribution environment.
• Proven track record of delivering large‑scale transformation programs and measurable cost savings.
• Expertise in lean methodologies (e.g., Kaizen event facilitation, value‑stream mapping, 5S, 8 wastes, PDCA, DMAIC, standard work, one‑piece flow, setup reduction, TPM, daily management system).
• Relevant certifications preferred (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Project Management).
• Extensive experience with global operations, multi‑site coordination, and cultural change management.
• Strong background in data analytics and performance‑measurement systems.
• Experience with ERP systems (prefer SAP) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and data‑visualization tools.
• Demonstrated experience in project/program management, facility layout/design, and material‑flow optimization.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills; ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for all organizational levels.
• Ability to manage multiple high‑priority initiatives with minimal supervision in a dynamic environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The role may involve exposure to typical industrial environments, including noise, equipment, and varying temperatures. Work can occur in both office settings and operational environments such as manufacturing plants and distribution centers. Employees must be able to stand, walk, and occasionally lift up to 25 lb. Occasional domestic and international travel is required to support global initiatives. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.