Continuous Improvement Manager
Confidential, Buffalo Grove, IL, United States
Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager
Operational Excellence | Lean Six Sigma Leadership
Position Overview
The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager reports to the Site General Manager and is responsible for leading the deployment of the site’s Operational Excellence strategy. This role provides leadership and direction to site and service-center resources driving Lean Six Sigma methodologies, cultural transformation, and measurable cost and performance improvements.
As a key member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT), the CI Manager partners with cross-functional leaders to align operational excellence initiatives with business strategy, digital transformation efforts, and long-term performance goals.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and align all Operational Excellence initiatives with site and business strategic objectives
Deploy and sustain a standardized Operational Excellence framework across the site, ensuring alignment with regional and global standards
Champion Lean Six Sigma methodologies across the organization, including education, cultural enablement, and transformation initiatives
Lead business case development and analysis for proposed CI projects; prioritize initiatives based on organizational impact and strategic need
Facilitate site-level Operational Excellence / Lean Steering Team activities to achieve targeted financial and operational results
Own and continuously improve site Operational Excellence processes, metrics, and tools, ensuring standard work alignment
Partner with regional and global CI leadership to share best practices and provide feedback on improvement proposals
Support alignment of Industry 4.0 and digital tools with operational excellence initiatives
Lead engagement in site-wide CI and continuous improvement programs
Develop, coach, and mentor CI and operational resources while reinforcing leadership behaviors, accountability, and organizational values
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required (technical degree preferred)
10+ years of experience
in operations, supply chain, manufacturing, or technology-focused environments
Demonstrated leadership in Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, or Lean transformation roles
Strong experience leading cross-functional initiatives with measurable financial and operational impact
Preferred Credentials
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification
(ASQ, BQF, Motorola, GE, or equivalent)
Project Management certification (PMI or equivalent)
Experience deploying standardized OpEx systems across complex or multi-functional manufacturing environments
Ideal Background
Senior CI / OpEx leader operating at the
site leadership level
Comfortable influencing at the executive and plant-floor levels
Proven ability to drive cultural change, not just run projects
Experience in regulated, high-mix, or complex manufacturing environments a plus
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As a key member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT), the CI Manager partners with cross-functional leaders to align operational excellence initiatives with business strategy, digital transformation efforts, and long-term performance goals.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and align all Operational Excellence initiatives with site and business strategic objectives
Deploy and sustain a standardized Operational Excellence framework across the site, ensuring alignment with regional and global standards
Champion Lean Six Sigma methodologies across the organization, including education, cultural enablement, and transformation initiatives
Lead business case development and analysis for proposed CI projects; prioritize initiatives based on organizational impact and strategic need
Facilitate site-level Operational Excellence / Lean Steering Team activities to achieve targeted financial and operational results
Own and continuously improve site Operational Excellence processes, metrics, and tools, ensuring standard work alignment
Partner with regional and global CI leadership to share best practices and provide feedback on improvement proposals
Support alignment of Industry 4.0 and digital tools with operational excellence initiatives
Lead engagement in site-wide CI and continuous improvement programs
Develop, coach, and mentor CI and operational resources while reinforcing leadership behaviors, accountability, and organizational values
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required (technical degree preferred)
10+ years of experience
in operations, supply chain, manufacturing, or technology-focused environments
Demonstrated leadership in Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, or Lean transformation roles
Strong experience leading cross-functional initiatives with measurable financial and operational impact
Preferred Credentials
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification
(ASQ, BQF, Motorola, GE, or equivalent)
Project Management certification (PMI or equivalent)
Experience deploying standardized OpEx systems across complex or multi-functional manufacturing environments
Ideal Background
Senior CI / OpEx leader operating at the
site leadership level
Comfortable influencing at the executive and plant-floor levels
Proven ability to drive cultural change, not just run projects
Experience in regulated, high-mix, or complex manufacturing environments a plus
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