Continuous Improvement Manager

Join a dynamic and growing manufacturing company in Southern Michigan as a Continuous Improvement Manager and play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence. We are seeking an experienced professional with a deep understanding of lean methodologies and a proven ability to identify and implement process improvements. The ideal candidate is confident, highly analytical, and thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment without succumbing to stress.Responsibilities:Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Lead, manage, and execute continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to optimize manufacturing operations.Process Optimization: Analyze current workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement solutions to enhance productivity, quality, and cost savings.Data-Driven Decision-Making: Collect and evaluate key performance data (KPIs), such as production output, defect rates, and cycle times, to drive fact-based initiatives.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to align improvement efforts across departments.Training and Development: Educate employees in Lean Manufacturing principles, tools, and techniques to build a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.Value Stream Mapping: Conduct detailed analyses of value streams to identify bottlenecks, streamline processes, and maximize flow efficiency.Problem-Solving Leadership: Facilitate root cause analysis and the development of corrective action plans using tools like 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and DMAIC.Change Management: Foster employee engagement by gaining buy-in for process changes and ensuring smooth transitions during project implementation.Project Management: Manage multiple concurrent improvement initiatives, prioritizing workstreams to align with strategic business objectives.Compliance and Safety: Ensure all process improvement efforts adhere to compliance, safety, and environmental standards.Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or related field. A Master's degree is a plus.Minimum of 5 years of experience in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, or a similar role within the manufacturing industry.Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred), and other operational excellence frameworks.Deep understanding of manufacturing tools such as Kaizen, 5S, SMED, and Value Stream Mapping.Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.Confident and pragmatic leader with strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage teams at all organizational levels.Hands-on experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) and ERP systems.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities while remaining calm under pressure.Key Competencies:Leadership: Inspires teams and leads by example to embed a culture of innovation and excellence.Proactive Problem-Solving: Actively identifies and resolves challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset.Resilience Under Pressure: Stays level-headed and focused, even in high-stress situations.Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships across departments to drive shared improvement goals.Strategic Vision: Sees the bigger picture while designing actionable steps to get there.

Created: 2025-06-25