CI Manager

DSJ Global; Maple Grove (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DSJ Global is seeking a hands-on Continuous Improvement Manager to drive Lean manufacturing and operational excellence across our Minnesota sites. You will lead cross-functional teams, run Kaizen events, develop standardized work, and leverage data to sustain improvements while developing a culture of accountability.

You will partner with plant leadership, mentor employees, and communicate outcomes to leadership, fostering sustainable performance improvements throughout the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, continuous improvement, or operational excellence.
• Proven Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement leadership.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Kaizen, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Experience facilitating cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity performance.
• Facilitate Lean events, Kaizen workshops, root cause analysis activities, and problem-solving sessions to drive measurable operational improvements.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify improvement opportunities, prioritize initiatives, and execute action plans.
• Conduct Gemba walks and operational assessments to identify process gaps, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop, implement, and sustain standardized work, visual management systems, and operational best practices.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and utilize data analysis to evaluate performance, identify trends, and support decision‑making.
• Track and communicate project outcomes, including productivity gains, cost savings, quality improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Support the development of continuous improvement capabilities through coaching, training, and mentoring employees at all levels of the organization.
• Benchmark industry best practices and introduce effective methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of improvement initiatives.
• Drive a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Manage and develop direct reports, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Kaizen methodologies

Data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field

Job description

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving Lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives across the organization. This role partners closely with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate waste, enhance process reliability, improve productivity, and drive sustainable business results. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills who can successfully implement continuous improvement strategies while developing a culture of operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity performance.
• Facilitate Lean events, Kaizen workshops, root cause analysis activities, and problem-solving sessions to drive measurable operational improvements.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify improvement opportunities, prioritize initiatives, and execute action plans.
• Conduct Gemba walks and operational assessments to identify process gaps, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop, implement, and sustain standardized work, visual management systems, and operational best practices.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and utilize data analysis to evaluate performance, identify trends, and support decision‑making.
• Track and communicate project outcomes, including productivity gains, cost savings, quality improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Support the development of continuous improvement capabilities through coaching, training, and mentoring employees at all levels of the organization.
• Benchmark industry best practices and introduce effective methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of improvement initiatives.
• Drive a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Manage and develop direct reports, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, continuous improvement, or operational excellence.
• Proven experience leading Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Lean principles, Kaizen methodologies, and structured problem‑solving techniques.
• Experience facilitating cross‑functional teams and influencing stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage operational data to drive decision‑making.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong project management, organizational, and execution capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred

• Experience within HVAC, industrial equipment, engineered products, or related manufacturing industries.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent Continuous Improvement training.
• Experience implementing operational excellence programs across manufacturing operations.
• Prior leadership experience managing and developing teams.

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environments.
• Frequent interaction with manufacturing operations and production personnel.
• Regular plant floor presence requiring the use of appropriate PPE.
• Exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures in production environments.
• Occasional travel to support multiple facilities, suppliers, or operational initiatives.
• Ability to stand, walk, and conduct on‑site observations for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally.

Success Measures

• Improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and productivity metrics.
• Reduction of waste and operational inefficiencies.
• Successful execution and sustainability of Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Increased employee engagement and adoption of continuous improvement practices.
• Achievement of measurable cost savings and operational performance improvements.