Director of Continuous Improvement

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director or Manager of Continuous Improvement to lead our manufacturing plant’s efforts to drive operational excellence, with a key focus on empowering our workforce. In this role, you will oversee traditional Continuous Improvement (CI) activities and champion a robust training and upskilling initiative for front-line workers. Additionally, you will collaborate cross-functionally to design and implement programs that develop leadership capabilities, enabling front-line managers to grow into future organizational leaders.

What makes you a good fit:

If you’re someone who gets excited by the idea of driving manufacturing excellence and making a real impact on both the shop floor and across an entire organization, this role could be a perfect fit for you. We're looking for someone who thrives on tackling big challenges—someone who can break down complex problems into clear, actionable plans and deliver meaningful results. You’re process-oriented and structured, with an eye for creating systems that keep things running smoothly while always looking for ways to improve. The idea of developing manufacturing talent in North America should feel like a mission you're passionate about, and you’re energized by the thought of growing front-line workers into future leaders. If you're the kind of person who enjoys collaborating across teams, building a culture of continuous improvement, and delivering both quick wins and long-term success, then this job is made for you.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Continuous Improvement Leadership:
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of CI initiatives across our manufacturing facilities, utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to drive measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, Business Analytics and HR) to ensure alignment and integration of CI efforts with overall business objectives.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employee engagement at all levels and supporting a problem-solving mindset.
• Training and Upskilling:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive manufacturing training program that focuses on upskilling front-line workers in key competencies, including technical skills, process improvement, and problem-solving techniques.
• Work closely with HR and training teams to ensure that training materials are relevant, accessible, and targeted toward improving performance on the production floor.
• Leverage metrics and KPIs to assess the effectiveness of training programs and ensure they align with business needs and employee career development.
• Leadership Development:
• Collaborate with HR and manufacturing leadership to design leadership development initiatives aimed at growing the leadership pipeline, with a specific focus on front-line managers.
• Foster a growth-oriented environment where front-line managers are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to develop as leaders.
• Performance Metrics & Reporting:
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to CI initiatives, training outcomes, and leadership development.
• Provide regular reporting to senior leadership, highlighting successes, areas for improvement, and ongoing strategies to maintain momentum.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred for Director Level.
• For Manager Level: 5 years of professional experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and Operational Excellence. Industry experience and exposure to training and workforce upskilling is a plus but not required. Relevant experience in consulting or other non-traditional backgrounds will also be considered.
• For Director Level: 8 years of professional experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and Operational Excellence, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership role. Industry experience and exposure to training and workforce upskilling is a plus but not required. Relevant experience in consulting or other non-traditional backgrounds will also be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful training and leadership development programs within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to implement Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies and deliver measurable operational improvements.
• Strong project management skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills.
• Analytically driven and comfortable collaborating with data analysts to help inform programmatic efforts.