Continuous Improvement Manager

Alkegen; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 109,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkegen in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead CI at the Tonawanda sites and drive measurable cost-out and efficiency gains. You will guide Lean initiatives, coach leaders and operators, and partner with cross-functional teams to embed standard practices and a culture of accountability.

Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s in engineering, 5+ years in manufacturing, and 2+ years leading CI/Lean programs, with Six Sigma training and strong data-analytic skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Minimum five years’ experience in manufacturing or operations.
• At least two years leading CI or Lean programs.
• Formal Lean training with demonstrated impact.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional problem-solving and deliver savings.
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) is a strong plus.
• Experience leading multi-site CI or Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Familiarity with digital/AI tools for process monitoring and predictive maintenance.
• Advanced data analysis and visualization skills (Power BI, Minitab, Excel).

Responsibilities

• Define, prioritise, and execute a clear CI roadmap aligned to business targets.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams through structured improvement cycles (DMAIC, 8D, etc.).
• Own and maintain the site value stream map and reduce waste and bottlenecks.
• Deliver measurable improvements in OEE, waste reduction, and operating cost.
• Build CI capability across the organization through coaching and kaizen events.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations to standardize processes.

Skills

Lean Principles

Root Cause Analysis

Cross-functional Leadership

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Power BI

Minitab

Excel

Job description

Job Requirements Why Work For Us?

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways. Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we’re always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!

Position Description:

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for creating value through leading and driving Continuous Improvement (CI). Utilize CI principles in support of meeting financial, business and leadership developmental goals. This position has responsibility for guiding, training, executing, and measuring the strategy for the Tonawanda sites. This position reports to the Plant Manager and has dotted line reporting responsibility to the Global CI Manager. Works frequently and closely with all of the Plant Management teams and builds a network with other plants to share and develop good practice.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Improvement Partner with the Plant Manager and site leadership to define, prioritise, and execute a clear CI roadmap aligned to business and financial targets, including the 3.5%(COGS) annual cost-out goal. Lead multi-disciplinary teams through structured improvement cycles using DMAIC, A3, or 8D problem-solving methodologies. Identify systemic performance gaps, quantify financial impact, and ensure corrective actions are embedded and sustained. Own and maintain the site value stream map, identifying and reducing waste, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies across all processes Incorporate Six Sigma principles to reduce process variation and improve capability. Deliver measurable, verified improvements in OEE, waste, and operating cost. Support capital investment projects to ensure operational efficiency and risk reduction are considered from concept through to execution.

Performance Management

Analyze performance data to identify trends and systemic issues; lead root cause elimination and standardization activities. Support the annual budget process by translating CI project gains into quantifiable savings and operational efficiencies. Ensure all CI activities are documented, reviewed, and validated through robust financial and operational tracking.

Capability Building & Culture

Build CI capability across all levels of the organization by coaching leaders, engineers, and operators in Lean and problem-solving tools. Facilitate practical 5S leadership and hands‑on kaizen events that drive immediate and visible improvements. Facilitate hands‑on workshops and kaizen events focusing on practical improvement and ownership at the front line. Promote a positive improvement culture where ownership, continuous learning, and accountability are embedded in daily work. Act as a visible role model for continuous improvement behaviors and collaboration across departments and sites.

Standardization & Knowledge Sharing

Support alignment with the Global CI framework by sharing best practices, metrics, and success stories across the BAM network. Ensure consistent application of CI tools and methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone, Pareto, FMEA, SMED, etc.) across the site. Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations to sustain standardised processes and drive problem‑solving maturity.

Cultural Expectations

Acts as a champion of improvement and accountability. Leads by example in collaboration, openness, and respect. Encourages innovation and experimentation while maintaining process discipline. Fosters a learning culture that celebrates success and drives reflection on failure.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.

Minimum of five years’ experience in manufacturing or operations, including at least two years leading CI or Lean programs.

Formal training and practical application of Lean principles with demonstrated impact.

Proven ability to lead cross‑functional problem‑solving teams and deliver quantifiable savings.

Strong analytical, facilitation, and influencing skills with the ability to engage all levels of the organization.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications

Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) is a strong plus.

Experience leading multi‑site CI or Operational Excellence initiatives.

Familiarity with digital/AI tools for process monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Advanced data analysis and visualization skills (Power BI, Minitab, Excel).

Compensation:

$108,682 - $ 133,644.00 /annual Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.

Alkegen is a specialty materials leader serving mission‑critical systems that the world is focused on for the future, including: battery technologies, electric vehicles, filtration media, and specialty insulation materials that enable customers to reduce fossil fuel consumption, save energy, and live greener. We help people breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. Our experience speaks for itself. We are a vertically integrated manufacturer with the global reach and talent to solve your most demanding applications. With 60 manufacturing facilities and 9,000+ highly skilled employees located around the world, we can solve any challenge. Dedicated to sustainability and human health, we are uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.