Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence across our manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with plant leadership, frontline teams, and cross-functional partners to identify improvement opportunities, streamline processes, and build a strong culture of problem solving. The Continuous Improvement Manager leads Lean initiatives, coaches teams in CI tools, and ensures improvements are measurable, sustainable, and tied to business priorities.

Essential Job Functions*

• Operational Improvement
  • Lead the development and execution of the CI roadmap for the site(s).
  • Identify opportunities through data analysis, Gemba walks, and value-stream mapping.
  • Facilitate problem-solving activities and Kaizen events focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
  • Support performance improvement initiatives such as OEE, scrap reduction, throughput, downtime, and labor efficiency.
• Process Standardization & Sustainability
  • Implement Lean practices including 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, and root-cause analysis.
  • Ensure improvements are documented, standardized, and embedded into daily management systems.
  • Monitor results and reinforce sustainable behaviors with leaders and team members.
• Coaching & Capability Building
  • Coach supervisors, managers, and team members on Lean concepts and CI tools.
  • Facilitate training sessions to build CI capability at all levels.
  • Mentor CI project leaders and Green Belts through structured project execution.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain on improvement initiatives.
  • Share best practices across the manufacturing network and contribute to cross-site standards.
  • Communicate progress, results, and lessons learned to stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Occasional travel for training, support, or project work.
• Other duties as assigned.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Employees are expected and encouraged to participate in safety and health program activities including immediately reporting hazards, immediately reporting unsafe work practices and incidents to supervisors, wearing required personal protective equipment, and participating in and supporting safety committee activities.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or process improvement.
• Hands-on experience applying Lean and CI methods.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) preferred.
• Experience improving processes in high-volume or multi-site manufacturing preferred.

Competencies - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Analytical thinking and data-driven decision making.
• Collaboration and relationship building.
• Change leadership.
• Problem-solving and root-cause analysis.
• Clear communication and facilitation.

Operational Equipment

• Computer

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work Environment

Office: Office setting. Seldom exposed to fumes or airborne particles. Loud working environment of the shop area. Functional vision and hearing required.

Physical Demands

Office: Sedentary.

The Hillman Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, protected veteran or military status, genetic information, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.