Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement Manager

Ascensus Specialties

$140K — $170K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10-15 years of engineering experience in chemical/pharma manufacturing
  • 5-10 years of operations leadership experience in the chemical/pharmaceutical space
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Proven track record in data analysis and visualization
  • Experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving organizational change
  • Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related field
  • Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015, FDA and E&E quality systems

Responsibilities

  • Ensure safety is a priority throughout all tasks
  • Lead manufacturing scale-up for new products and drive the MFG stage gate process
  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives to cut costs and boost performance
  • Develop and execute tactical plans to achieve site goals
  • Identify and solve operational challenges using Lean and Six Sigma
  • Standardize processes to enhance consistency and efficiency
  • Track and analyze key performance indicators for continuous improvement

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision - effective day one of employment
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • 3 Weeks' Vacation
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Life, AD&D, STD, and LTD insurance provided at no cost
Full Job Description
Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement Manager

Application Deadline: 5 June 2026

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Newburyport, MA

Compensation: $140,000 - $170,000 / year

Description

As the Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement Manager, you will be responsible for the safe and timely scale up of products through the stage gate process. You will be also responsible for safely spearheading continuous improvement initiatives that drive efficiency, reduce costs, drive quality improvements and enhance the overall operational performance of the site. You will collaborate with teams across the business to identify process optimization opportunities, implement lean methodologies, and foster a culture of innovation. Your data-driven recommendations and hands-on approach will enable the organization to drive growth through new product introductions, streamline workflows, eliminate waste, and achieve measurable results with a focus on customer response and satisfaction.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
• Ensure all tasks are completed in a safe manner and model a safety first mind set.
• Will lead the manufacturing scaleup of new products which includes manufacturing process definition, and implementation. Drive the MFG stage gate process.
• Will spearhead initiatives to improve processes, reduce costs and enhance operational performance.
• Develop a tactical plan and successfully implement it to meet the goals of the site and annual plan
• Identify, analyze, and solve operational challenges, utilizing tools like Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Develop and implement standardized processes and procedures to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret performance data to identify areas for improvement and measure the impact of initiatives.
• Lead and manage projects, ensuring timely delivery and successful implementation
• Effectively communicate project progress, results and findings to stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Responsible for managing the change process associated with implementing new processes and technologies.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, production, quality and R&D to achieve operational goals.
• Mentor, coach, and develop operational team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned

Supervision
Supervision Received: General supervision in the performance of routine duties. Direct supervision regarding unusual problems, emergency situations, and procedures.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes.

Minimum Qualifications
• 10-15 years of solid engineering experience in a chemical/pharma manufacturing environment
• 5-10 Years of operations leadership experience in the chemical/pharmaceutical space
• Demonstrated track record to summarize complex data sets for technical and non-technical audiences including high proficiency in data visualization
• Demonstrated track record to rapidly analyze and solve complex engineering issues by pursuing a focused solution path
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in data analysis and process improvement methodologies
• Excellent communication and project management skills
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving change within an organization
• Highly self-motivated and self-directed with demonstrated ability to work well with others
• Demonstrated track record of hands-on experience and ownership around manufacturing equipment and process modules
• Experience with providing feedback to direct reports and setting SMART goals to measure performance

Specific Skills Required:
• Strong understanding of ISO 9001:2015, FDA and E&E quality systems
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 products, Outlook, SharePoint, SAP, and OneNote
• Use of statistical software such as: Minitab, Jump, Design Expert, etc.

Educational Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or a related field

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision - effective day one of employment.
  • 401(k) with company match with immediate vesting - effective first of the month, following date of hire.
    • First 3% is matched dollar-for-dollar.
    • Second 3% is matched at 70 cents on the dollar.
  • 3 Weeks' Vacation.
  • 12 Paid Holidays.
  • Basic Life, AD&D, STD, and LTD provided at no cost to employee.

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