Continuous Improvement Manager

We are seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Manager to lead operational excellence initiatives at a large, integrated paper manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for driving sustainable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, cost, and reliability through Lean manufacturing principles, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of implementing process improvements in a complex manufacturing environment while developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing performance through process analysis, operational assessments, and data evaluation Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing efficiency, reducing waste, lowering operating costs, and improving overall plant performance Champion Lean Manufacturing methodologies, including 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Root Cause Analysis Partner with production, maintenance, engineering, reliability, quality, and process control teams to implement sustainable operational improvements Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of improvement initiatives and communicate results to leadership Facilitate problem‑solving sessions using structured improvement methodologies and statistical analysis tools Drive quality improvement efforts through process capability analysis, statistical process control (SPC), corrective actions, and continuous monitoring Coach leaders and employees on Lean tools, continuous improvement practices, and change‑management strategies Promote employee engagement by encouraging participation in improvement initiatives and cultivating a culture of accountability and operational excellence Leadership Responsibilities Provide leadership and direction for quality and process engineering functions. Develop team capabilities through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and succession planning Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and operational procedures. Build collaborative relationships across departments to align continuous improvement efforts with business objectives. Support both short‑term operational goals and long‑term strategic initiatives Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Minimum of 10 years of experience in paper manufacturing or another large-scale continuous process manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of integrated manufacturing operations and production processes. Demonstrated success leading Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives with measurable business results. Experience utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, and statistical process control methodologies. Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive organizational change. Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills. Excellent communication and presentation abilities with experience engaging employees at all organizational levels. Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for operational excellence and innovation. Must be authorized to work in the United States. Physical Requirements Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This position regularly requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and the use of hands for routine tasks. Employees may occasionally lift up to 50 pounds and work in an industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, elevated noise levels, heat, humidity, and other plant conditions. Manufacturing/industrial facility Exposure to moving mechanical equipment Moderate to high noise levels Occasional exposure to elevated work areas, airborne particulates, vibration, and varying environmental conditions #J-18808-Ljbffr CEO Inc.