Job RequirementsThe Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence and creating measurable value across a thermal engineered materials manufacturing site. This is a highly hands-on role that requires deep engagement with day-to-day operations, learning the manufacturing processes end-to-end, and identifying practical opportunities for improvement, throughput gains, and cost savings.
The ideal candidate is a strong floor presence-someone who actively partners with operations, understands the manufacturing process at a granular level, and leads measurable, sustainable change.
Key Responsibilities- Partner with plant leadership to develop and execute a site-wide Continuous Improvement roadmap aligned with financial and operational goals.
- Become fully immersed in the manufacturing process to understand workflows, constraints, and improvement opportunities firsthand.
- Drive throughput and capacity improvements by identifying bottlenecks, optimizing workflows, and improving process reliability.
- Create and implement cost savings initiatives delivering Year over Year savings that are verifiable on the plant P&L.
- Lead cross-functional teams using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies (DMAIC, A3, 8D).
- Identify inefficiencies and cost drivers and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Implement and sustain layered process audits (LPAs) to reinforce standards and drive accountability.
- Support capital projects by ensuring operational efficiency and risk reduction are built into design and execution.
- Conduct regular Gemba walks to observe processes, engage teams, and identify real-time improvement opportunities.
- Develop and maintain value stream maps to eliminate waste and improve flow.
- Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are updated and standardized following process improvements.
Performance & Analytics: - Analyze production and performance data to identify trends, constraints, and root causes.
- Translate CI initiatives into quantifiable cost savings, throughput gains, and operational improvements
- Track, validate, and report results of improvement initiatives.
Culture & Leadership- Exceptional leadership and communication skills
- Maintain a strong and visible presence on the plant floor
- Coach and develop employees at all levels in Lean tools and continuous improvement practices
Facilitate Kaizen events and hands-on improvement workshops. - Foster a culture of accountability, standardization, problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
- 3-5+ years of on-site manufacturing experience, including leadership or management responsibility (required)
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt preferred)
- Demonstrated success improving throughput, capacity, and operational performance
- Experience implementing LPAs, conducting Gemba walks, and driving standard work
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills
- Ability to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels of the organization
Preferred Qualifications- Background in industrial, materials, or process manufacturing environments
- Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab, etc.)
If you are interested in being part of a world class continuous improvement team at Alkegen then we would love to hear from you.
