Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement Manager

For more than 100 years, Modine has solved the toughest thermal management challenges for mission-critical applications. Our purpose of Engineering a Cleaner, Healthier World™ means we are always evolving our portfolio of technologies to provide the latest heating, cooling, and ventilation solutions. Through the hard work of more than 11,000 employees worldwide, our Climate Solutions and Performance Technologies segments advance our purpose with systems that improve air quality, reduce energy and water consumption, lower harmful emissions, enable cleaner running vehicles, and use environmentally friendly refrigerants. Modine is a global company headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin (U.S.), with operations in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. For more information about Modine, visit modine.com.

Position Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Continuous Improvement Manager to lead process optimization and operational excellence initiatives across our manufacturing plant specializing in chillers for data centers. This role is designed to sit independently atop the function, ensuring direct influence over all areas of manufacturing and enabling transformational change without being embedded within operations. The Continuous Improvement Manager will responsible for developing and executing strategies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall performance while fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Continuous Improvement Strategy & Execution
• Implement 1-minute management concepts through visual management tools.
• Lead the deployment of the LMS (Lean Management System) rooted in Daily Management, aligned and focused on 80/20 improvement driving accountability at all levels of the organization.
• Develop and drive a plant-wide continuous improvement roadmap that aligns with business goals and enhances operational efficiency.
• Responsible for the creation, maintenance and implementation of the Ideal state VSM (Value Stream Map) and transformation plan for the site.
• Responsible for Customer TAKT requirements by identifying and implementing strategies to achieve the required capacity to meet the Customer schedules @ 98% or greater OTD.
• This is to be executed through the use of tools such as (Material flow analysis | KANBAN | Line balancing | Sub Assembly | Scheduling boards | Daily Management (Tier) | Kitting | Tugger Delivery | Standard Work (Operators & Leaders) | Data availability and reporting) to eliminate bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and waste in production, assembly, and supply chain operations.
• Develop and deploy the lead one, teach one philosophy in deployment of the CI acumen across the Data Center organization.
• Serve as the subject matter expert with respect to Lean practices and tools.
• Develop the playbook/matrix for the application of such tools.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce variability and improve product quality.
• Implement and oversee standard work processes, automation opportunities, and best practices for sustainable improvements.
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Change
• Collaborate with leadership, operations, engineering, and supply chain teams to identify and prioritize improvement projects.
• Serve as change agent, ensuring that new processes are adopted and sustained across all levels of the organization.
• Train and mentor employees on continuous improvement methodologies, fostering an environment of innovation and accountability.
• Lead and facilities Kaizen events, workshops, and cross-functional problem-solving sessions to drive engagement and results.
• Performance Measurement & Data Driven Decision Making
• Develop and build a Daily Management System to track key performance indicators (KPI's) to measure the success of improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data analytics, root cause analysis (RCA), and statistical process controls (SPC) to drive decision making continuous improvement efforts.
• Conduct regular (LPA) Layered Process Audits and assessments to ensure processed adherence and identify further improvement opportunities.
• Efficiency & Cost Reduction
• Lead cost-reduction initiatives through value stream mapping, cycle time reduction, and process reengineering.
• Optimize material flow, inventory management, and resource allocation to enhance throughput and reduce operational costs.
• Drive improvement in energy efficiency and sustainability within manufacturing operations.

Required Education & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing or operational excellence within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in Lean, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred), Kaizen, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, industrial engineering, and production systems—preferably in HVAC, refrigeration, or related items.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems, data analytics tools, and process automation technologies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and facilitation skills within a track record of driving cultural transformation and operational excellence.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all events without direct authority.
• Proficiency in problem-solving tools such as FMAIC, MEA, SPC, and root cause analysis.
• Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

Why Choose Modine?

Health & Well-being

• Day One Competitive health, dental & vision insurance coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• After 90 days of continuous employment Maternity Leave (12 weeks at 100% pay)
• 8 weeks of short term disability leave paid at 100%
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave paid at 100%
• Paternity Leave (4 weeks at 100% pay)

Financial Benefits

• 401k Retirement plan and company paid match
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Short Term Disability (company paid)
• Long Term Disability

Work-Life Balance

• Competitive time-off policies
• Tuition Reimbursement

To view full benefits information: MyModine Benefits

Modine is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Modine provides a competitive benefit package, which could include paid vacation, short term disability, 401(k), health, dental, vision, life insurance, flex spending benefits, tuition reimbursement, Health Savings Account and much more. Human Resources will provide more detail upon your hiring.

This position is not eligible for any form of sponsorship (e.g. OPT or H1B visa status) now or in the future. Only individuals authorized to work in the United States now and for the foreseeable future will be considered for this position.