The Continuous Improvement Leader is responsible for driving measurable operational performance improvements while building sustainable systems, capabilities, and culture. This role blends hands-on execution with strategic leadership, owning both project delivery and the development of a robust continuous improvement operating system.
Key ResponsibilitiesDrive Business Results - Lead and deliver high-impact CI projects targeting:
- Throughput
- Cost reduction
- Downtime elimination
- Quality improvements
- Analyze downtime, scrap, and process inefficiencies to identify root causes
- Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and rapid improvement activities
- Partner with operations to implement and sustain solutions
Build CI System & Structure - Establish standardized CI tools, methods, and routines across the site
- Build KPI dashboards, scorecards, and visibility systems
- Drive governance: project prioritization, tracking, and accountability
- Implement daily management systems and performance rhythms
Developing People & Culture- Train and coach leaders, engineers, and supervisors in Lean thinking
- Build CI capability across the organization (not just own projects)
- Drive adoption of disciplined problem-solving and data-driven decisions
- Lead cultural transformation toward accountability and continuous improvement
Strategic Alignment- Align CI initiatives with site and business priorities
- Identify and prioritize highest ROI opportunities
- Provide clear reporting to leadership on:
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree (Engineering, Operations, etc.)
- Process Engineering Preferred
- 5-10 years of CI / manufacturing experience
- Lean / Six Sigma certification (Black Belt preferred)
- Proven ability to:
- Deliver measurable results
- Lead cross-functional teams
- Influence without authority
Critical Success Traits This is where you tailor to your business reality:
- Bias for action - delivers results, not just frameworks
- Strong floor presence - not a "conference room CI leader"
- Able to challenge operations constructively
- Balances doing vs teaching
- High accountability and follow-through
- Comfortable in imperfect / evolving environments
What Makes This Role Different- Not just a CI "coach" - must deliver tangible results
- Not just a project leader - must build systems and capability
- Direct influence on plant performance and profitability
Travel Requirements- This position will work in the Napoleon OH plant 2 days per week and the Angola IN plant 2 days per week. 5th day in one of the plants or from home.
