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Continuous Improvement Manager

Vanderlande Industries GmbH, New York, NY, United States


Job Title: Continuous Improvement Manager
Role Summary
Vanderlande North America is seeking a highly skilled Continuous Improvement Manager to drive the implementation of lean methodologies across its Manufacturing branch. This role is pivotal in executing the transition from a consultant‑led approach to a self‑sustained lean production system. The ideal candidate will focus on coaching, training, and enabling teams to develop and sustain lean problem‑solving capabilities. Additionally, this role will coordinate continuous improvement efforts to ensure best practices are shared and sustained across the organization.

Roles and Responsibilities

Create and facilitate training programs related to safety, quality, and equipment usage

Lead the transition of self‑sustainment of lean in North America, ensuring the development of a sustainable lean culture

Coach and facilitate lean manufacturing methodologies, embedding problem‑solving skills across all supply chain teams

Provide hands‑on support through coaching, training, and facilitating lean workshops, kaizen events, and continuous improvement initiatives

Empower teams to take ownership of continuous improvement by embedding lean capabilities at all levels

Measure and track the impact of CI initiatives, ensuring continuous progress toward operational excellence

Serve as a change agent, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and self‑sufficiency

Required Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field

Minimum of 7 years of experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence (or equivalent)

Strong facilitation and coaching skills, with the ability to develop lean capabilities in others

Ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization

Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills

Strong project management and organizational skills

Ability to adapt and manage multiple CI initiatives across various teams

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in leading large‑scale lean transformations

Knowledge of Supply Chain operations within a complex, global organization.

Experience with ISO certification and ISO audits

Travel
Less than 10%.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The work environment/physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

Employee will be subject to warehouse environment, cold temperatures of 40 degrees, and will be required to wear jacket. Noise levels of 90 decibels can be reached at certain times. Can be exposed to fumes or airborne particles while in manufacturing environment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 75 pounds.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEOC Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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