Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement Manager Engineering

Independence, Missouri Full-Time Oct 26, 2026

About the Role: Join a high-impact leadership role where you will drive manufacturing transformation and operational excellence across a complex production environment. As the Continuous Improvement Manager, you will lead site-wide initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, reliability, and overall performance while partnering with cross-functional teams to build a culture of continuous improvement. This position offers the opportunity to influence strategy, implement best-in-class manufacturing practices, and develop the people, systems, and processes that deliver sustainable business results.

About TAI: TAI brings together engineering, construction, systems integration, on-site services, and technical services — combining proven execution with trusted expertise to support clients across the entire project lifecycle. Team members at TAI are capable, well-rounded, flexible, and optimistic. We have found that the best employees are the ones who recognize the importance of what they do and the ones who let that guide them in the actions they take. More than any skill, we seek people who make decisions that support the common good. We work for our clients, and we work for one another.

Here's a glimpse into your day to day:

• Develop and execute the site's Manufacturing Excellence roadmap aligned with business objectives and long-term performance goals.
• Lead operational transformation initiatives that improve productivity, reliability, quality, and cost performance.
• Partner with site leadership to identify strategic opportunities and prioritize improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a key change agent during major operational and organizational improvement efforts.
• Establish sustainable systems and processes that support long-term manufacturing excellence.
• Lead loss analysis and loss elimination activities across safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost.
• Drive improvements in key manufacturing metrics, including OEE, throughput, operational reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Facilitate structured problem-solving activities and root cause investigations.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, TPM, WCM, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Establish governance processes and performance management systems that ensure accountability and sustained results.
• Identify and deploy best practices, new technologies, and innovative manufacturing solutions.
• Create and sustain a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Coach and mentor leaders, managers, supervisors, and frontline employees on improvement methodologies and problem-solving techniques.
• Develop capability-building strategies that strengthen technical and operational competencies.
• Facilitate change management initiatives that support business transformation objectives.
• Build organizational engagement around continuous improvement goals and initiatives.
• Lead manufacturing training and capability development programs.
• Develop learning systems, certification programs, and skills-development pathways.
• Ensure workforce development initiatives align with operational priorities and performance goals.
• Support leadership development and succession planning initiatives.
• Partner with Human Resources and functional leaders to strengthen workforce capabilities.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Leadership teams to drive performance improvements.
• Support capital projects and manufacturing innovation initiatives by incorporating operational excellence principles.
• Facilitate the sharing and implementation of best practices across the organization.
• Influence strategic decisions through data analysis, performance insights, and continuous improvement expertise.

You'll be a perfect fit if you have:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, continuous improvement, supply chain, or operational excellence environments.
• Proven success leading large-scale performance improvement initiatives and delivering measurable business results.
• Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, World Class Manufacturing, or similar methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to drive organizational change and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements.
• Excellent project management, communication, and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent certification.
• Experience leading site-wide Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, TPM, WCM, or Lean Manufacturing programs.
• Experience within food & beverage, consumer products, pharmaceutical, chemical, packaging, or other high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success improving OEE, productivity, reliability, quality, and manufacturing cost performance.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Eligible for overtime pay
• Annual Profit Sharing Bonus (variable)
• PTO and Paid Holidays
• Health Benefits: Employee through family level coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurances. Company funded life and long-term disability insurances. Short Term Disability, FSA, HSA, EAP, and supplemental life insurances (employee – family) are also available!
• 401(k) with employer match

Other Offerings:

• The opportunity to make a real impact on a variety of industry-leading projects.
• The ability to balance your work and family activities.
• Flexible work schedule
• Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment that values creativity and innovation.
• A chance to learn and grow alongside some of the brightest minds in engineering.
• Professional Development, Tuition Reimbursement, and Association Membership Reimbursements.