Manager, Continuous Improvement

Work Flexibility: Onsite

Stryker is hiring a Manager, Continuous Improvement. We are looking for a results driven Lean leader who thrives in transforming manufacturing performance through people. This person will bring a passion for developing others, deploying kaizen principles, and driving sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and engagement. We are seeking a coach first leader who builds team capability, challenges the status quo, and enables breakthrough performance through structured problem solving, value stream transformation, and rapid experimentation. This role requires strong influence across all levels of the organization and the ability to translate strategy into tangible results on the shop floor. This is an onsite position in Kalamazoo, MI.

What you will do:
Technical / Managerial Responsibilities

• Execute a robust talent strategy by attracting, developing, and retaining Continuous Improvement Engineers and Technicians; build a high-performing lean team capable of driving sustained business impact.
• Lead and mentor team members in the application of lean methodologies, including kaizen, value stream mapping, daily management, and structured problem solving.
• Serve as a hands-on coach and change leader, developing problem-solving capability across the organization rather than providing direct solutions.
• Make independent decisions across CI programs and initiatives, prioritizing opportunities that drive the greatest impact to business performance.
• Influence and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, translating complex operational, technical, and financial concepts into clear actions and outcomes.
• Lead a culture of inclusion, engagement, and accountability within the team, ensuring all employees are empowered to contribute to continuous improvement.
• Lead site-level kaizen strategy and execution, ensuring:
  - Clear targets tied to business objectives
  - Data-driven baseline and results tracking
  - Strong "before vs. after" storytelling tied to outcomes
• Lead and develop cross-functional improvement initiatives, partnering with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering to achieve business goals.
• Distill site and business objectives into clear performance expectations and metrics for the CI team, ensuring alignment and accountability.
• Drive adoption and sustainment of lean systems including:
  - Standardized work
  - Visual management
  - Daily management routines

Business Responsibilities:

• Drive financial accountability for CI initiatives, ensuring delivery of productivity improvements, cost savings, and capital efficiency.
• Partner with site and business leaders to define and execute Continuous Improvement strategy aligned to operational and financial goals.
• Collaborate with Finance to quantify and track CI impact, ensuring accurate reporting of savings and performance gains.
• Identify and prioritize high-impact opportunities across value streams to improve flow, reduce lead time, and optimize space utilization.
• Support development of long-term operational strategies, including footprint optimization, capacity planning, and flow design.

Med Device Compliance:

• Lead team and cross-functional partners to ensure lean improvements comply with regulatory and quality system requirements.
• Ensure all process changes follow required change control and validation processes within the quality system.
• Provide direction to the team on standard work, process controls, and documentation required to sustain improvements.
• Review and approve (or delegate) CI-related documentation, including standard work, layouts, and improvement reports, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations.

What you need:
(Required):

• Bachelor of Science degree or higher in Engineering or applicable technical field
• 8+ years of experience in lean / continuous improvement or manufacturing operations
• Demonstrated experience leading kaizen events and implementing lean transformations
• Expertise in lean manufacturing tools and systems (value stream mapping, flow, pull systems, standard work, daily management, visual management, problem solving)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of direct people management experience preferred
• Experience designing and implementing manufacturing flow systems and layouts
• Lean / Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)
• Proven ability to build and develop high-performing teams and technical talent
• Skilled coach who sets clear expectations, provides actionable feedback, and drives accountability
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional leaders and drive enterprise-wide change
• Experience leading large-scale improvement initiatives with measurable business impact
• Proven ability to deliver results on time, on quality, and within budget
• Strong communicator capable of translating strategy into action at all levels of the organization

$118,000 - $196,700 USD Annual

Travel Percentage: 10%

Stryker Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Stryker is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability.

Stryker Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.