The Continuous Improvement Manager (CIM) leads Lean transformation initiatives across Nitto Avecia by developing organizational Continuous Improvement (CI) capabilities, facilitating data-driven problem solving, and driving operational excellence. This role partners with leaders and cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, compliance, and financial performance through Lean principles, root cause analysis, and standardized management systems.
The CIM builds organizational capability through coaching, training, and change leadership while ensuring improvement efforts support strategic business objectives and deliver sustainable results.
Key Responsibilities: - Lead CI efforts with a primary focus on improving safety, quality, environmental performance, compliance, and operational effectiveness
- Partner with operations leadership to develop, prioritize, and execute Lean CI strategies, plans, and projects aligned with business objectives
- Support annual strategy deployment processes by aligning improvement priorities, resources, and project portfolios with organizational goals
- Lead and facilitate cross-functional CI initiatives, Kaizen events, and value stream improvement activities that drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity
- Facilitate structured problem-solving efforts utilizing Lean methodologies, including DMAIC, 6Ms, TapRoot, Process Mapping, and other root cause analysis tools
- Ensure problems are clearly defined, root causes are validated and corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence
- Build organizational capability by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, engagement, and operational excellence
- Develop internal CI capability through coaching, mentoring, formal training programs, and Lean certification initiatives
- Evaluate, enhance, and sustain Visual Management Boards (VMBs) and other management operating systems to improve visibility, accountability, and performance management
- Drive standardization of processes, best practices, performance metrics, and operating procedures across departments and facilities
- Establish and monitor control plans to ensure improvements are sustained and expected business results are achieved
- Quantify, track, and report project benefits, including cost savings, productivity improvements, quality enhancements, and other key performance outcomes
- Partner with Finance to validate realized savings, productivity gains, and business benefits resulting from CI initiatives
Required Skills/Abilities:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain, or related field preferred
- 10+ years of Continuous Improvement, Lean, Kaizen, or operational excellence experience within a manufacturing or operations environment
- Demonstrated expertise in structured problem solving and root cause analysis methodologies, including DMAIC, 6Ms, TapRoot, process mapping, and related Lean tools
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational data, identify trends, and drive data-based decision making
- Experience leading cross-functional teams through Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and improvement initiatives
- Strong coaching, facilitation, influencing, and change management skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Experience working effectively within matrix organizations
- Knowledge of demand flow principles and Lean enterprise methodologies
- Understanding of financial metrics and business performance measures
The annualized salary range for this position is $147,700.00 - $180,600.00.
