Regional Continuous Improvement Manager

About the role

The Regional Continuous Improvement Manager serves as champion and drives operational excellence by leading initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency across manufacturing operations. Applying structured methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis, the manager ensures sustainable gains in performance, cost reduction, waste elimination, and customer satisfaction to fuel long-term growth and operational strength.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, lead, facilitate, and manage Continuous Improvement projects including Kaizen events aligned with the company’s strategic targets.
• Lead the site/function’s Lean transformation with a focus on improvements to safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Train and coach managers and employees in the daily use and implementation of Lean principles.
• Partner with function heads to build and maintain a culture of continuous operational improvement.
• Coach and develop site functional leaders and their staffs to identify, understand, and implement Lean manufacturing and growth best practices.
• Audit, monitor, and sustain the health of the CI Lean culture using scoring systems, gap analysis, and problem-solving.
• Partner with the corporate CI Lead and facility or functional leader to develop and execute a Kaizen roadmap and identify key metrics (KPIs).
• Drive strategy execution in partnership with the site management team and CI Lead.
• Ensure consistent application of CI practices, tools, and templates (e.g., Standard Work, Job Instruction, Daily Management, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen Road Map, SMED, TPM, Time Studies).
• Assist organization-wide Kaizen efforts as needed.
• Perform regular Gemba walks to evaluate improvement and development opportunities.
• Evaluate current business practices to improve productivity, reduce costs, and optimize resource use.
• Perform duties in a safe and responsible manner to prevent customer loss or damage.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) or equivalent in Engineering, Business Management, or a comparable field.
• Minimum 2-4 years of related Lean experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience with an emphasis in Lean or operational excellence.
• Six Sigma and/or Lean certification or experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing/Operational Excellence Principles, Problem Solving, 5 Why, Daily Management, 5S, SMED, TPM, Standard Work, Poke Yoke, etc.
• Demonstrated Lean management experience and results.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, and coach.
• Strong leadership and change agent skills.
• Excellent team facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Must satisfy ITAR compliance requirements; candidates must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Resident Card Holders.

Physical & Mental Demands

• Able to travel regularly to multiple sites within the region.
• Must be able to work in a standing position for extended periods in an industrial environment.
• Ability to bend, pull, stoop, and reach to perform functions.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
• May be exposed to heat, fumes, noise, and humidity.
• Must have the cognitive and mental capacity to perform essential job functions.
• Visual acuity to read documents, computer screens, and files.
• Ability to hear in person and via phone.