Continuous Improvement Manager

Job RequirementsWhy work for us?Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we’re always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!About the RoleThe Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence and creating measurable value across a thermal engineered materials manufacturing site. This is a highly hands-on role that requires deep engagement with day-to-day operations, learning the manufacturing processes end-to-end, and identifying practical opportunities for improvement, throughput gains, and cost savings.The ideal candidate is a strong floor presence—someone who actively partners with operations, understands the process at a granular level, and leads sustainable change.Key ResponsibilitiesPartner with plant leadership to develop and execute a site-wide Continuous Improvement roadmap aligned with financial and operational goalsBecome fully immersed in the manufacturing process to understand workflows, constraints, and improvement opportunities firsthandDrive throughput and capacity improvements by identifying bottlenecks, optimizing workflows, and improving process reliabilityLead cross-functional teams using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies (DMAIC, A3, 8D)Implement and sustain layered process audits (LPAs) to reinforce standards and drive accountabilityConduct regular Gemba walks to observe processes, engage teams, and identify real-time improvement opportunitiesIdentify inefficiencies and cost drivers, and implement sustainable corrective actionsDevelop and maintain value stream maps to eliminate waste and improve flowEnsure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are updated and standardized following process improvementsSupport capital projects by ensuring operational efficiency and risk reduction are built into design and executionPerformance & AnalyticsAnalyze production and performance data to identify trends, constraints, and root causesTranslate CI initiatives into quantifiable cost savings, throughput gains, and operational improvementsTrack, validate, and report results of improvement initiativesCulture & LeadershipMaintain a strong and visible presence on the plant floor; lead by exampleCoach and develop employees at all levels in Lean tools and continuous improvement practicesFacilitate Kaizen events and hands-on improvement workshopsFoster a culture of accountability, standardization, and continuous improvementQualifications3–5+ years of on-site manufacturing experience, including leadership or management responsibility (required)Demonstrated success improving throughput, capacity, and operational performanceExperience implementing LPAs, conducting Gemba walks, and driving standard workStrong problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skillsAbility to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels of the organizationPreferred QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (preferred, not required)Experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologiesBackground in industrial, materials, or process manufacturing environmentsExperience with data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab, etc.)If you are interested in being part of a world class continuous improvement function here at Alkegen then we would love to hear from you.At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr