Manager of Continuous Improvement

Manager of Continuous Improvement

The Manager of Continuous Improvement will lead enterprise-wide initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and productivity at the assigned manufacturing location, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of Mission Critical Group (MCG) and Johnson Thermal Systems (JTS). This leadership role brings about the senior leadership vision for operational excellence by executing the 3-year continuous improvement (CI) roadmap, driving improvement through execution of Lean, Six Sigma, and other performance improvement methodologies. The Manager will mentor and coach their team of CI Specialists, partner with site leadership, and build a culture of sustainable improvement to achieve measurable business results.

Accountabilities

• Roll Out Strategic Initiatives : Execute and communicate the enterprise-wide CI strategy, aligned with MCG and JTS business goals.
• Execute Improvement Roadmap : Manage a prioritized portfolio of improvement projects, ensuring measurable impact on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Mentor & Develop Talent : Coach CI Specialists and cross-functional leaders to build organizational capability in Lean and Six Sigma practices.
• Drive Process Optimization : Oversee deployment of Lean tools (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, etc.) to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and optimize throughput.
• Champion Data-Driven Decisions : Leverage statistical analysis, performance dashboards, and KPIs to identify trends and guide improvement priorities.
• Oversee Root Cause Analysis : Ensure systemic problems are resolved using structured methodologies (DMAIC, 8D, A3) and drive long-term corrective actions.
• Facilitate Change Management : Lead large-scale change initiatives, ensuring adoption and sustainment of new processes across assigned operating location.
• Foster a CI Culture : Embed CI into daily management systems, recognition programs, and leadership routines to create sustainable operational excellence.
• Ensure Compliance : Maintain adherence to quality management systems, regulatory standards, and safety requirements.
• Communicate Results : Regularly report progress, wins, and lessons learned to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Deliver Measurable Results : Achieve significant and verifiable improvements in productivity, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.
• Other Duties as Assigned : Take on strategic initiatives and special projects as needed by senior leadership.

Attributes

Safety First : Embeds safety into every CI initiative, ensuring process changes reduce risk and improve workplace safety performance.

Have Humanity : Leads with empathy, involving employees in problem-solving and respecting the human impact of operational changes.

Be Transparent : Shares CI project goals, metrics, and results openly with stakeholders, building trust and organizational buy-in.

Drive Innovation : Encourages creative solutions, leverages new technologies, and challenges the status quo to deliver breakthrough results.

Be Resilient : Maintains focus and momentum through organizational change, overcoming resistance and setbacks to deliver sustainable improvements.

Always Reliable : Provides consistent leadership, measurable results, and dependable execution of enterprise-wide CI initiatives.

Grit : Tackles complex systemic challenges with determination, seeing initiatives through from concept to sustained adoption.

Required Knowledge / Experience

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, Industrial Management, or related field.

6+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing or operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership role focused on continuous improvement.

Proven success in leading enterprise-wide CI programs that drive measurable impact.

Advanced knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (Six Sigma Black Belt preferred).

Demonstrated expertise in tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, and standard work development.

Strong background in project portfolio management, including prioritization, resource allocation, and ROI measurement.

Exceptional leadership, facilitation, and coaching skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, leveraging statistical tools and software to support decision-making.

Excellent communication skills to present to executive leadership and engage frontline employees.

Track record of successfully leading change initiatives and fostering a culture of operational excellence.