Job Description:The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager leads enterprise-wide continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational performance, quality, and efficiency across multiple sites. This role partners with operations leadership and cross-functional teams to embed structured improvement methods and foster a culture of accountability and excellence. The position supports organizational objectives by driving waste reduction, improving process stability, and strengthening problem-solving capabilities. The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager serves as a change leader and coach, ensuring sustainable improvement and measurable business results.
Primary Duties Primary duties may include, but are not limited to:- Leads the deployment of continuous improvement strategies aligned with organizational and operational excellence objectives.
- Partners with operations leadership and site teams to identify performance gaps and implement structured improvement plans.
- Facilitates improvement activities, including workshops, process reviews, and hands-on improvement events, to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
- Coaches leaders and frontline teams in continuous improvement principles, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Drives a culture of workplace observation and accountability by identifying process deviations and supporting corrective action plans.
- Identifies and delivers cost reduction and productivity improvement opportunities while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Analyzes operational data and performance metrics to track progress and communicate results to leadership.
- Serves as a change agent by promoting employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement behaviors across sites.
- Hires, trains, coaches, counsels, and evaluates performance of direct reports.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Job RequirementsEducation and Experience Requirements:Requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related discipline; 8+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations environments, including 5+ years leading or supporting continuous improvement initiatives, or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
Experience supporting multi-site operations is preferred. Experience within durable goods manufacturing or related industries is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Strong working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and operational excellence principles.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Solid understanding of operational performance metrics, business planning, and cost drivers.
- Effective project management skills with a strong focus on execution and sustainability.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage all levels of the organization.
- Proven ability to support change management and build credibility through collaboration and coaching.
Essential Mental and Physical Functions:- Ability to think strategically and make decisions in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
- Ability to analyze complex information and develop practical improvement strategies.
- Frequent interaction with leaders, supervisors, and frontline employees.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during site and production area visits.
- Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds as required.
- Ability to travel periodically, including overnight travel, to support site-level improvement efforts.
Work Environment:- Work is performed in a professional office environment with regular visits to manufacturing or operational facilities.
- Exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, moving mechanical parts, and industrial equipment during site visits.
- Required adherence to all safety policies and procedures while present in operational environments.
- Regular collaboration with cross-functional teams in both office and production settings.
- Use of appropriate personal protective equipment as required during facility visits.
