The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and implementing manufacturing process improvements aligned with World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Lean principles across the organization. This role drives measurable results in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale by identifying opportunities for cost reduction, lead-time reduction, inventory optimization, and quality improvement.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong Industrial Engineering background and demonstrated experience leading cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives within a Tier 1 automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and measure the effectiveness of existing business processes and develop sustainable, repeatable, and quantifiable process improvements.
• Partner closely with Operations and Functional Teams to identify process bottlenecks, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions across the organization.
• Lead productivity and process improvement projects aligned with plant and corporate business initiatives.
• Utilize Industrial Engineering tools such as time studies, line balancing, standard work, layout optimization, and capacity modeling to improve throughput and labor efficiency.
• Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen events, 5S, SMED, visual management, and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke).
• Coach and mentor project teams to fulfill certification requirements and achieve quality and process improvement objectives.
• Initiate and lead projects that improve end-to-end processes; establish measurement systems, validate improvements, and audit sustainability to ensure lasting business impact.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track improvement effectiveness and communicate results to leadership.
• Support World Class Manufacturing deployment and standardization efforts across departments.
• Promote a continuous improvement culture through training, engagement, and hands-on leadership.
• Provide direct leadership to CI team members and/or project resources as assigned.
• Education
• Bachelor’s Degree (Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred), OR
• Associate’s degree with 10+ years of Lean/Continuous Improvement experience in a manufacturing environment may be considered in lieu of bachelor’s degree,

Experience & Requirements

• Minimum 7+ years of project management experience in a manufacturing environment utilizing Lean/Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong Industrial Engineering foundation with practical application in high-volume manufacturing.
• Proven experience driving measurable improvements in productivity, cost, quality, and delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive decisions.
• Proficient in root cause analysis methodologies (A3, 5 Why, Fishbone, etc.).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in Tier 1 automotive manufacturing preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) preferred.

Core Competencies

• World Class Manufacturing / Lean Expertise
• Industrial Engineering Applications
• Project Leadership
• Change Management
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Coaching and Team Development
• Continuous Improvement Mindset