Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement

Our site in Chaska, MN is seeking a Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement (CI) to deploy Lean methodology, drive world-class performance, and lead CI efforts at our Chaska and Bloomington manufacturing sites.

About the role

This leadership position partners with plant leadership and operations teams to challenge the status quo and improve safety, quality, customer service, and cost. You will oversee and support CI initiatives, coach site leaders, and ensure alignment with the CI masterplan.

Responsibilities

• Develop a roadmap and collaborate across two manufacturing sites to implement improvement objectives aligned with CI principles for safety, quality, and productivity.
• Supervise, train, and direct the CI Regional team, including CI engineers, co-ops, and interns.
• Provide coaching and hands-on support to site leaders and stakeholders to ensure timely and successful completion of Vision/CI projects.
• Ensure progress aligns with the CI masterplan; investigate root causes of deviations and suggest countermeasures (PDCA).
• Serve as the plant’s CI expert; lead complex cross-functional projects and assist hands-on when needed.
• Drive adoption of digital equipment/process performance measurement systems such as OEE and SPC.
• Conduct Lean Workshops, Six Sigma Green Belt training, and support SPC and Kaizen Events.
• Ensure sustainability of past projects through standardization and adoption of improved processes.
• Coach cell leaders to communicate performance alignment with site goals, highlight problems, and drive action items to meet targets.
• Foster a continuous improvement culture, engaging all levels from leadership to the shop floor.
• Promote the Bright Ideas program, recognize successes, and celebrate CI accomplishments.
• Lead the cross-functional plant CI Council responsible for delivering the plant CI masterplan.
• Actively contribute as a member of the Global CI Council.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or operations with increasing responsibility.
• 3+ years of leadership experience.
• 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement (Shingo, Six Sigma, etc.) program management.
• Certification or demonstrated experience in Lean Methodologies, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and/or Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Experience running and facilitating Kaizen events.
• Project management experience and a track record of leading cultural change.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and ensure sitewide achievement of business objectives.
• Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office applications (SAP experience is a plus).
• Experience as a Continuous Improvement Engineer, Manager, or Industrial Engineer in Automotive, Semiconductor, Medical, or High-End Chemical industries (highly preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, a technical field, or equivalent work experience.
• Proactive approach to identifying improvement areas and implementing solutions with urgency.
• Strong training and presentation skills with excellent oral and written communication.
• Analytical problem-solving ability, data-driven decision-making, and attention to detail.
• Ability to influence decisions across multiple organizational layers and develop effective teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an emphasis on coaching and influencing others.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or operations with increasing responsibility.
• 5+ years of leadership experience.
• Chemical, gas, or semiconductor industry experience (strongly preferred).
• Familiarity with ISO 9001/14000 and ISO 45001 environments.

Benefits

• Annual bonus eligibility.
• Progressive paid time off policy.
• Generous 401(K) plan with an employer match and no delayed vesting.
• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
• Education assistance to support your learning journey.
• A values-driven culture focused on People, Accountability, Creativity, and Excellence.

Pay

$127,000–$169,000 per year, with actual pay dependent on candidate skills and experience.