Continuous Improvement Manager

About This Role

This managerial role focuses on leading and executing continuous improvement initiatives within the manufacturing operations at the Baxter Springs facility. The manager will partner with various departments to enhance safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and overall operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute site continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business goals
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and process improvement projects
• Identify and eliminate waste, improve workflow, and support standard work across machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and support areas
• Establish, monitor, and report key performance metrics, including safety, quality, productivity, labor efficiency, scrap, OEE, on-time delivery, and cost savings
• Partner with Quality and Engineering to support corrective actions, reduce defects, and improve process capability
• Train and coach supervisors and employees on Lean, problem-solving, and continuous improvement tools
• Support employee engagement through idea generation, CI participation, and development of CI champions
• Assist with layout, material flow, capital improvement, safety, and facility optimization projects
• Ensure continuous improvement activities support safety, compliance, and operational excellence objectives

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis
• Ability to lead cross-functional improvement projects and influence change at all levels
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, facilitation, and communication skills
• Experience using production data, KPIs, Excel, ERP systems, and reporting tools to drive improvements
• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment and partner across multiple departments

Nice to have:

• Bachelor
• Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing experience may be considered
• 5 to 10 years of manufacturing experience
• 3 to 5 years of continuous improvement or operational excellence experience
• Experience in machining, fabrication, industrial products, precision manufacturing, or assembly environments
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, Certified Lean Practitioner, or Project Management certification

Benefits

• Training and career advancement opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, life insurance, paid disability insurance, education reimbursement

Important Details