Director of Continuous Improvement

The Director of Continuous Improvement (CI) is an executive responsible for driving organizational excellence by developing strategies, leading change, and implementing methodologies such as lean, Six Sigma, or Agile to optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance performance.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement enterprise-wide CI strategies, aligned with the company’s goals and objectives, with measurable results.
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify operational inefficiencies, analyze processes, and prioritize improvement initiatives.
• Champion the use of proven methodologies, such as lean and Six Sigma, and other CI methods to streamline processes, improve quality, and deliver productivity.
• Build, train, mentor a team dedicated to process improvement, ensuring best practices are shared and standardized throughout the organization.
• Oversee the implementation and sustainment of a CI management system, including setting performance metrics and goals.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, challenging the status quo and encouraging proactive problem solving, cross-functional collaboration, and innovative thinking.
• Monitor, measure, and lead the company-wide CI effort to deliver CI through using key performance indicators and data-driven decision making.
• Work closely with leadership and stakeholders throughout the company to ensure alignment and buy-in across the company.
• Lead change management efforts and champion the process to reduce organizational friction and to minimize churn.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulations.
• Drive initiatives that enhance customer satisfaction and business outcomes. Prepare the organization to aspire to meet external CI standards, such as achieving the “Shingo” prize or the “Malcolm Baldridge” award.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive experience in process optimization, quality management, and leading enterprise-wide change initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of lean, six Sigma, and other CI methodologies, with relevant high-level certifications. Minimum of Six Sigma Master Black Belt
• Strategic and analytical mind-set; with strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to motivate and develop teams, foster collaboration, and drive sustainable performance improvements across complex organizations.
• Strong business acumen with a results-oriented approach to problem solving and decision making.

Education and Experience

• 15+ years of experience with 10 years of specific CI experience required.
• Technical undergraduate degree, such as engineering or equivalent required. Advanced degree preferred.