Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc.

Continuous Improvement Lead

Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc.$80K — $110K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years in manufacturing/operations with 5 years specifically leading continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Lean certification and/or Six Sigma Black Belt preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
  • Proven ability to lead process improvement projects with measurable results.

Responsibilities

  • Translate business priorities into continuous improvement plans for Green Bay plants.
  • Deploy a standardized continuous improvement operating system to enhance performance.
  • Lead initiatives targeting safety, quality, delivery, cost, and personnel performance.
  • Provide expertise and coaching to implement effective operational interventions.
  • Establish accountability routines and audits to maintain process improvements.
  • Plan and facilitate training sessions to develop team capabilities and align with business strategy.
  • Partner with various functions to identify and implement sustainable improvement solutions.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to shape the culture of continuous improvement across the organization.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams enhances professional growth and development.
  • Hands-on coaching and training offered to empower leaders and frontline teams.
  • Engagement with senior leaders provides visibility and impact on business outcomes.
  • Access to a range of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies fosters a robust skillset.
Full Job Description

Job Description:

The Continuous Improvement Lead will lead operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across Green Bay manufacturing operations, driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and people performance. This role is responsible for translating business priorities into practical improvement plans, deploying Lean and problem-solving methodologies, optimizing processes, and strengthening the site’s continuous improvement culture.

The position partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional teams to implement sustainable solutions, improve performance through data-driven insights, and develop internal capability by coaching leaders and frontline teams.

                    

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Translate platform and site business priorities into annual and multi-year continuous improvement plans for Green Bay plants and value streams.
  • Deploy and sustain a standardized continuous improvement operating system that drives execution, accountability, and performance across the site.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and people performance.
  • Serve as an internal improvement partner by providing hands-on expertise, facilitation, coaching, and tactical support to ensure the right interventions are implemented.
  • Establish follow-up plans, accountability routines, sustainment audits, and control mechanisms to ensure improvements are adopted and maintained.
  • Plan and facilitate improvement events, workshops, and training sessions that build capability, improve process performance, and support business strategy.
  • Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other functions to identify improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement by enabling teams through structured methodologies, standard work, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Develop, maintain, and review KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics to measure operational efficiency, project impact, and progress against improvement targets.
  • Facilitate structured root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies, including A3, DMAIC, RCCM, 5 Whys, and fishbone analysis, to resolve complex operational issues.
  • Coach and mentor leaders and frontline teams to build continuous improvement capability, ownership, and accountability.
  • Lead cross-functional projects to ensure alignment with business objectives, timelines, resource plans, and financial targets.
  • Apply Lean manufacturing tools such as Kaizen, value stream mapping, SMED, standard work, visual management, 5S, and waste elimination to optimize processes.
  • Promote a strong culture of safety, compliance, operational discipline, and data-driven decision making across all levels of the organization.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Ten or more years of experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, supply chain, or a related environment, including at least five years leading continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Lean certification and/or Six Sigma Black Belt preferred; demonstrated equivalent capability may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

  • Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, structured problem solving, daily management systems, value stream improvement, and change management principles.
  • Demonstrated ability to assess processes, identify performance gaps, develop improvement plans, and align actions with organizational objectives and business priorities.
  • Proven success leading process improvement projects that deliver measurable operational and financial results; experience in large or complex manufacturing organizations preferred.
  • Strong financial acumen with the ability to evaluate project benefits, manage budgetary resources, and connect improvement work to cost, productivity, and margin impact.
  • Strong analytical and statistical skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, prioritize opportunities, and make data-driven decisions.
  • Effective leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to guide, motivate, and align cross-functional teams without direct authority.
  • Demonstrated success coaching and mentoring leaders and frontline teams in Lean, Six Sigma, problem-solving tools, and continuous improvement behaviors.
  • Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, listening, facilitation, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage audiences from shop floor teams to platform leadership.
  • Ability to recommend practical, fit-for-purpose solutions that address the problem at hand without creating unnecessary complexity or cost.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, navigate conflict, foster collaboration, and maintain effective relationships across a diverse stakeholder group.
  • Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and solve manufacturing and supply chain-related issues.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not directly supervise associates. However, the role provides indirect leadership through coaching, facilitation, training, and cross-functional project leadership to influence results across the organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Typically sits, grasps items, and performs keyboarding for frequent operation of a computer.
  • Stands, walks, bends, reaches, or otherwise moves about occasionally.
  • Lifts, moves, or otherwise transfers items up to 30 lbs. occasionally.
  • Occasionally exposed to typical machine shop physical hazards.
  • Travels by air or car occasionally.


This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required, and it may be changed at any time.

#LI-MP1


 

Company:

BW Converting

About Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc.

Design Group supports Their clients’ initiatives from conceptual planning through the implementation of production systems and facilities. Regardless of a project’s technology, scale, or complexity, their in-house Solutions Teams can provide individual engineering discipline services for large and small initiatives alike.

Barry-Wehmiller Companies Careers

Joining Barry-Wehmiller Companies presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance a career with a corporation that values growth, leadership, and innovation. As a global leader in technology and services, Barry-Wehmiller Companies offers a range of job opportunities that cater to diverse professional skills and ambitions.

Explore Career Opportunities

Barry-Wehmiller Companies is actively hiring and offers a variety of positions that encourage professional development and personal growth. Candidates can explore vast opportunities, from internships that provide real-world experience to full-time positions that challenge and expand their capabilities.

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At Barry-Wehmiller Companies, innovation isn't just a buzzword—it's the cornerstone of their operations. Employees are encouraged to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation thrive. This commitment to innovation is integral to maintaining leadership in the industry and offering cutting-edge solutions to clients.

Diversity and Inclusion

Barry-Wehmiller Companies is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Diversity training programs are integral, ensuring that all team members feel valued and understood. This commitment strengthens the company culture and enhances the collaborative environment.

Benefits and Culture

Employees at Barry-Wehmiller Companies enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture prioritizes well-being and balanced life, with benefits that cater to health, family, and continuous learning.

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Professional development at Barry-Wehmiller Companies is supported through various networking opportunities, allowing employees to connect with industry leaders and peers within the company. These connections can be pivotal in advancing one's career and expanding professional knowledge.

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