Continuous Improvement Manager

About the Role

This role supports plant leadership in achieving business and financial goals by leading continuous improvement and cost‑out initiatives across the plant. It also executes the organization’s strategic plan while complying with federal, state, and local regulations, industry standards, and customer requirements. The ideal candidate thinks outside the box, is passionate and people‑centric, embraces lean principles daily, and operates as a hands‑on manager. Key responsibilities include managing CI analysts and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and accountability; leading enterprise‑wide Lean initiatives such as value‑stream mapping, 5S, standard work, and Kaizen to drive cost reductions and process enhancements; applying structured problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis while identifying and mitigating safety hazards; and executing change management using ADKAR to align operations with strategic goals. The position also requires cross‑functional collaboration with global teams, sharing best practices, optimizing resources, and demonstrating leadership courage by delivering direct feedback and making tough decisions. • Manage CI analysts and technicians, fostering continuous improvement, safety, and accountability. • Lead enterprise‑wide Lean initiatives (VSM, 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen) to drive cost‑out and process improvements. • Apply structured problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis; identify safety hazards and ensure compliance and training. • Execute change management using ADKAR, aligning operations with strategic goals and benchmarking best practices. • Collaborate cross‑functionally with global teams, sharing best practices and optimizing resources. • Motivate teams, inspire ownership, and build a compelling vision for operational success. • Leverage a global mindset to manage diverse teams and foster strong cross‑cultural relationships. • Ensure adherence to ISO 9001 and customer‑specific quality standards. • Utilize SAP, Microsoft Office, Minitab, and Power BI for data‑driven continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸lean initiatives
• ▸root cause
• ▸change management
• ▸sap
• ▸power bi
• ▸iso 9001

What You Bring

Qualifications include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, at least five years of experience applying continuous improvement initiatives, and a Lean or Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of supervisory experience, ten years of manufacturing experience, and familiarity with EBS/ECIS. Relocation assistance is offered for applicants living beyond a 50‑mile radius of Waukesha, WI. Technical expertise required encompasses proficiency in lean manufacturing and quality improvement tools, SAP, Microsoft Office, Minitab, and Power BI, as well as knowledge of ISO 9001 and customer‑specific quality standards. Experience in diverse production environments, safety protocols, and processes such as assembly of large components, manufacturing of three‑phase transformers, regulators, alternators, electric motors, laser cutting, forming, e‑coat paint, and automated testing is also essential. • Demonstrate leadership courage by delivering direct, respectful feedback and making difficult decisions.

Requirements

• ▸six sigma
• ▸supervisory
• ▸sap
• ▸minitab
• ▸power bi
• ▸iso 9001

Work Environment

Onsite