Director, Continuous Improvement

Responsibilities

The Director of Continuous Improvement leads the Business Unit in achieving operational excellence by driving efficiency, productivity, disciplined process execution, and sustainable performance improvement across manufacturing operations. This role serves as a key architect of the Business Unit's Continuous Improvement and Digital Factory strategy, leveraging best practices across manufacturing sites to advance the Reynolds Performance System. The Director influences senior leadership, shapes medium‑ and long‑term improvement strategies, and drives cross‑functional transformation that delivers measurable financial and operational value while partnering with management, engineering, operations, and manufacturing leadership.

Continuous Improvement Strategy & Financial Performance

• Manage the CI savings budget across the Business Unit, ensuring realistic targets and measurable value delivery.
• Plan and oversee tactical projects to improve existing processes, including schedules, budgets, and cost‑benefit analyses.
• Support business leaders in building medium‑ and long‑term CI strategies aligned with the projected CI savings budget.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of CI programs and initiatives, measuring progress against goals and acting as a catalyst for change.
• Ensure optimal performance of existing processes, achieving continuous year‑over‑year reductions in conversion costs.

Operational Excellence

• Serve as a subject matter expert for the core pillars of the Reynolds Performance System, providing training and guidance.
• Lead CI initiatives including Kaizen events in 5S, SMED, TPM, VSM, PDCA, and A3 problem solving.
• Promote Lean methodologies such as Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Daily Management, Layered Audits, and Business Plan Development to eliminate waste.
• Drive process and systems improvements across plants, implementing programs that deliver ongoing, long‑term benefits.

Digital Manufacturing & Innovation

• Design and deploy the digital manufacturing (IoT) strategy.
• Coach plant teams on implementation and enable sustainable performance improvements.

Business Transformation & Leadership

• Advise and influence senior leadership on business transformation, organizational effectiveness, performance results, and change management.
• Lead and develop teams, providing coaching, mentorship, and evaluation to associates at all experience levels.
• Design and deliver Lean training across all organizational levels, reinforcing operational excellence standards.

Cross‑Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including management, engineering, and operations—to align manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and business requirements with process improvements.

You Will Love It Here If…

• You listen, learn, and evolve.
• You thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• You put safety first, always.
• You are passionate about collaboration, teamwork, and achieving shared goals.
• You believe in treating all people with respect, operating ethically, and growing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
• You are committed to improving our impact on local communities and creating positive experiences.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 10+ years of professional manufacturing experience with Continuous Improvement and Operations.
• 3+ years in a leadership role focused on continuous improvement or operational excellence.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related discipline.

Skills

• Proven project management experience, capable of leading multiple initiatives from planning through successful execution.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to influence and communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Highly self‑motivated and adaptable; able to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Flexible and dependable; able to adjust schedules to meet critical business deadlines.
• Collaborative team player, committed to high‑performing, cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives across complex manufacturing environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders while maintaining focus on business results.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and build collaborative relationships across organizational levels.
• Ability to develop and sustain a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.

Competencies

• Strategic Mindset – Develops strategies that connect continuous improvement priorities with long‑term business objectives and sustainable performance.
• Drives Results – Establishes accountability and delivers measurable operational and financial outcomes through disciplined execution.
• Optimizes Work Processes – Improves processes and operating practices to increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainable business performance.
• Collaborates – Builds effective partnerships across functions and manufacturing locations to achieve shared business objectives.
• Develops Talent – Builds organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, and