Continuous Improvement Manager The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives across the plant to improve safety, quality, service, and cost. This role identifies high-impact improvement opportunities, leads cross-functional projects using Lean and root cause methodologies, and partners with plant leadership to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and drive a culture of continuous improvement. This position serves as a key resource for efficiency improvements, audit readiness, cost-savings initiatives, and standard work execution while ensuring product integrity and compliance. Key Responsibilities • Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement projects that improve plant performance in safety, quality, throughput, and cost • Lead and coach cross-functional teams using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving tools • Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives to eliminate recurring issues and prevent reoccurrence • Support and lead initiatives such as: • Line efficiency improvements and scrap reduction • Cost-savings and waste reduction initiatives • CIP optimization and process improvements • Audit gap closure and compliance improvements • Equipment, process, and facility improvement projects • Analyze plant performance data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities • Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain leaders to align CI efforts with business priorities • Standardize best practices and support deployment across departments • Support audit preparation, internal audits, and follow-up actions • Coach leaders and frontline teams on CI tools, problem solving, and continuous improvement mindset • Track project progress, benefits, and savings and communicate results to leadership Qualifications Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or related field or equivalent experience • 3-5+ years experience in a manufacturing environment • 3+ years leading continuous improvement, Lean, or operational excellence initiatives • Working knowledge of Lean tools, root cause analysis, and structured problem solving • Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects Preferred Qualifications • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt (or equivalent CI certification) • Experience in food or beverage manufacturing • Familiarity with audits, CAPA programs, and compliance environments • Experience delivering measurable cost savings and efficiency improvements • Previous leadership or indirect people management experience Key Skills & Competencies • Strong analytical and data-driven problem-solving skills • Ability to influence without direct authority • Clear and effective communicator at all levels of the organization • Highly organized with strong follow-through • Change management and coaching capability • Results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset Benefits Our Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family: Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package. • Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time • Paid parental and caregiver leaves • Medical, including virtual care options • Dental • Vision • 401(k) with company match • Health Savings Account with company match • Flexible Spending Accounts • Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members • Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements • Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan • Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc. • Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities • And more! https://careers.niagarawater.com/us/en/benefits