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Continuous Improvement Manager

Crane Company, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079

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The Crane Business System (CBS) manager facilitates the establishment of Operational Excellence principles throughout the global Barksdale organization, including driving, coaching, and mentoring teams on safety, quality, delivery and cost focused projects. As a leader in the operations team this role exemplifies CBS philosophy throughout the organization and works closely with the management team to achieve business objectives through transactional and operational process improvement. This is a global leadership role with purview of Los Angeles and German sites.

Key Responsibilities

CBS Tool Mastery: Develop proficiency and serve as a local subject‑matter resource for Crane Business System tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Transactional Process Improvement, Material Replenishment, Standard Work for Flow, and Problem Solving.

Drive CBS Projects & Roadmaps: Partner with functional managers to establish and execute continuous improvement roadmaps linked to strategic goals; schedule, facilitate, and lead Kaizen events across manufacturing and office functions.

KPI & Performance Management: Define and standardize site key process improvements (KPIs); mentor teams on effective KPI board usage and visual management; identify gaps and apply problem‑solving methodology to drive RCCA.

Kaizen Event Execution: Facilitate, lead, or participate in Kaizen events across the site; ensure timely completion of pre‑work to enable event success; track target metrics post‑event to evaluate impact and determine event success through a pass or fail determination.

5S & PDCA Discipline: Maintain site standards for 5S and drive adherence through monthly audits; lead deployment of the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle for sustained improvements.

Future Factory Vision: Collaborate with senior and functional managers to define the future factory vision; own implementation action plans for assigned workstreams and ensure the vision is tied to the needs of the business.

Training & Coaching: Coordinate training on CBS tools; develop tool champions to build internal capability; apply change management principles to influence adoption in a matrixed environment.

Global Collaboration: Support Los Angeles and German sites with consistent CBS practices; share best practices and lessons learned.

Reporting: Prepare concise reports and presentations to communicate progress, outcomes, and decisions to stakeholders.

Professional Experience & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or Business.

3+ years in a direct operations or manufacturing role with demonstrated success applying continuous improvement tools.

Proven ability to lead Kaizen events, implement CBS or equivalent Operational Excellence systems, and manage projects across multiple sites.

Strong understanding of change management concepts and ability to influence adoption in a matrixed environment.

Proven experience in matrix leadership and change management.

Strong analytical, facilitation, and problem‑solving skills (RCCA/8D, VSM, PDCA).

Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to link customer needs to business processes.

Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Project/Portfolio management tools; familiarity with ERP and visual management systems.

Knowledge of quality management systems, material replenishment strategies, and visual factory practices.

Lean Certification or Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt preferred).

$115,000 to $125,000

Crane Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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