CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT LEAD

Location: Houston, Westplain Campus

Work Environment: On-site Monday - Friday

Work Schedule/Hours: Normal Business Hours

Pay Range: The base pay range for this position is $110,000 - 120,000 USD. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set.

JOB SUMMARY

The Continuous Improvement Lead is responsible for driving operational excellence by identifying, developing, and implementing process improvement initiatives that enhance quality, efficiency, productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction.

This role leads cross-functional improvement projects, facilitates problem-solving activities, analyses data to identify trends and opportunities, and supports teams in achieving sustainable process improvements. The role promotes a culture of continuous improvement by coaching employees, sharing best practices, and ensuring improvements are embedded into day-to-day operations to deliver measurable business benefits.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze performance data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead and perform improvement projects using structured problem-solving methodologies with structured meetings and reporting methods.
• Coach and Mentor others in continuous improvement practices.
• Facilitate root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement throughout the facility.
• Improve operational performance, quality, cost, delivery, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify and eliminate process inefficiencies and sources of waste.
• Develop and maintain continuous improvement metrics and reporting.
• Support standardization and best-practice deployment across sites and functions.
• Deliver sustainable improvements aligned with business objectives and strategic goals.
• Execute and facilitate the Value Stream Mapping process for all lean.
• Propose, plan for and manage Lean initiatives, waste elimination, Kaizen events and Kan Ban opportunities.
• Challenge leaders to create an action-based culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Share best practices with/from other manufacturing sites.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, A3 and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving tools (5 Why, Fishbone, A3, 8D, DMAIC).
• Data analysis and interpretation skills.
• KPI development, monitoring, and reporting.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and improvement frameworks.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Power BI.
• Highly developed and technical knowledge of manufacturing practices and procedures.
• Ability to drive changes, gain buy-in, and influence a variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence and persuade others at all levels, and drive change.
• Must have a collaborative approach.
• You must have excellent interpersonal, time management, decision-making and conflict management skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or Operational Excellence qualifications
• 5+ years experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related role.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of leading and delivering process improvement projects.
• Experience applying Lean and/or Six Sigma tools to achieve measurable business results.
• Experience facilitating root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.
• Experience working cross-functionally with operations, quality, engineering, and business teams.
• Experience using data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.

Key benefits include:

Health Insurance (effective on start date)

Dental/Vision (effective on start date)

Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts

Life Insurance/Disability/Accident/Critical Illness

401(k) Savings Plan with generous company match

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid time off/Generous Holiday Schedule