Director of Continuous Improvement (CI) & Quality

Job Description JOB TITLE: Director of Continuous Improvement (CI) & Quality DEPARTMENT: Maintenance/Process Improvement FLSA: Exempt REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer SUMMARY The Director of Continuous Improvement (CI) & Quality plays a pivotal leadership role in driving operational excellence within a durable goods manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives that enhance product quality, streamline manufacturing processes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization. The Director will lead cross-functional teams to identify inefficiencies, implement best practices, and ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements. By leveraging data-driven methodologies and quality management systems, this role aims to reduce waste, improve product reliability, and increase overall customer satisfaction. Ultimately, the Director of CI & Quality will be instrumental in sustaining competitive advantage through innovation, quality assurance, and operational efficiency. Requirements PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop and implement comprehensive continuous improvement strategies aligned with corporate goals to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality. Lead and mentor a team of quality assurance and continuous improvement professionals to drive performance improvements and foster a culture of accountability. Oversee quality management systems (QMS) ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and customer specifications. Collaborate with engineering, production, supply chain, and other departments to identify root causes of quality issues and implement corrective actions. Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies to analyze workflows, reduce variability, and eliminate waste. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality and operational performance, providing regular reports and recommendations to senior leadership. Manage audits, both internal and external, and lead initiatives to address findings and improve audit readiness. Drive supplier quality management programs to ensure incoming materials meet required standards and support overall product quality objectives. Drive continuous improvement (CI) initiatives across manufacturing and logistics processes, utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, or other industry best practices to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and increase productivity without compromising quality. Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) specific to the furniture manufacturing process, tracking metrics like production yield, inventory turnover, lead time, and cost efficiency. Lead cross-functional teams to identify and implement improvements across manufacturing, distribution, and customer fulfillment, ensuring alignment with luxury brand standards and customer expectations. Develop and standardize operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices across all operational functions to ensure efficiency, consistency, and high product quality. Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the organization, fostering collaboration and innovation across teams while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship. Manage operational budgets, including cost forecasting, resource allocation, and capital expenditures, while ensuring cost-efficiency without compromising product quality. Report on the effectiveness of operational initiatives to senior leadership, offering data-driven insights and recommending areas for improvement. Lead change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new processes, tools, or technologies that support operational excellence. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Analytical and problem-solving skills daily to assess manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for improvement. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for guiding teams, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, and presenting findings to executive leadership. Expertise in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies enables the Director to design and implement effective process improvements that reduce defects and increase efficiency. Proficiency with quality management systems and data analysis tools supports the monitoring of performance metrics and drives data-informed decision-making. Negotiation and supplier management skills are applied to ensure that external partners meet stringent quality standards, contributing to the overall success of the manufacturing operation. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management, or a related field. At least 8 years of experience in operations management, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership or director-level role within the luxury furniture or high-end manufacturing industry. Proven experience in managing complex manufacturing operations while maintaining a focus on quality and luxury craftsmanship. Strong proficiency with MS Office Suite, project management tools, ERP systems, and manufacturing software. Strong knowledge of quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and industry-specific standards. Demonstrated expertise in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and root cause analysis. Certification as a Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr Symbiotic Services, LLC