
Director of Continuous Improvement
Constellation Search Group, Rockford, IL, United States
Overview
Constellation Search Group is seeking an Operational Director - Continuous Improvement for a full-time direct hire position. This role involves leading operational excellence initiatives at a manufacturing plant, embedding Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices. The position requires strategic leadership combined with hands-on implementation to enhance performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and associate engagement areas.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a site-wide continuous improvement roadmap using Lean principles and methodologies such as Kaizen, VDM, 5S, TPM, and SMED.
- Collaborate with the Plant Manager and functional leaders to align daily execution with strategic business goals.
- Champion operational excellence by coaching, training, and mentoring leaders and associates on Lean tools, problem-solving, and waste elimination.
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to enhance production flow, increase equipment uptime, and optimize resource utilization.
- Lead improvement initiatives and capital projects to improve manufacturing efficiency, process standardization, and operational reliability.
- Serve as a key member of the leadership team, sharing best practices and standardizing processes across multiple manufacturing sites.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 5 years in continuous improvement or operational excellence.
- Proven track record implementing Lean methodologies and driving measurable operational improvements.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and plant performance systems.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, engage teams, and drive cultural change.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) preferred.
A comprehensive benefits package is provided including medical, dental and vision coverage along with a retirement savings plan.
Salary and Equal Opportunity
Salary Disclaimer: Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We believe that different backgrounds and life experiences make our team better. We do not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual preference, sexual identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military status, or any other characteristic protected by local law or ordinance.
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