Director of Continuous Improvement

Description

• Drive initiatives to reduce waste, increase productivity, and improve product quality
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, measure progress, and drive decision-making
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing continuous improvement team
• Identify business risks and guide organization through mitigation
• Align continuous improvement initiatives with organizational goals and business objectives
• Develop and execute a continuous improvement strategy to enhance operational performance
• Partner with operations, engineering, quality, EHS and supply chain teams to identify opportunities for improvement and implement solutions
• Act as a change agent to promote collaboration and alignment across departments
• Provide regular updates and reports to executive leadership on the status of improvement initiatives and their impact
• Oversee and manage multiple continuous improvement projects simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence
• Train employees at all levels in Lean principles, Six Sigma tools, and other process improvement techniques
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of improvement initiatives
• Lead the implementation of Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to improve manufacturing processes and eliminate inefficiencies
• Promote a safe working environment through continuous risk assessments and process improvements
• Introduce innovative solutions to enhance operational excellence and maintain a competitive edge
• Ensure all improvement activities comply with safety, quality, and regulatory standards

Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus
• Experience implementing visual management standards
• Ability to travel up to 50% to Cadrex facilities within the US and Mexico
• Proven track record of successfully implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence programs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and drive change at all levels of the organization
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required; Master Black Belt is a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with proficiency in data analysis tools
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on continuous improvement preferred
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team-building skills
• Remote, but preferred candidates will reside in the Midwest and have access to an international airport
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• Master’s degree is preferred

Benefits

• Bonus plan for all full-time employees
• Education support program
• Referral bonuses
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Monthly remote work stipend (for remote employees who qualify)

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance