Continuous Improvement Manager

knowles; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Knowles is seeking a Continuous Improvement/Integration Manager to lead site-wide CI initiatives in partnership with the Plant Manager. You will optimize resources across materials, labor, utilities and equipment, while coaching managers and building Lean capabilities across the organization.

You will drive Six Sigma/Lean projects, manage cost-saving programs, mentor teams, and ensure sustained improvements through data-driven analysis and change management.

Qualifications

• BS/BE in Manufacturing, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering.
• Experience leading CI teams and using statistical analysis.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, TPM and CI tools.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and lead time reduction.
• Plan, facilitate and execute CI events; lead long-term projects.
• Own development and execution of the plant's Annual Operating Plan savings.
• Lead cross-functional teams; coach and mentor personnel on CI methodologies.
• Track KPIs; report progress and benefits to stakeholders.

Skills

Continuous Improvement Leadership

Statistical Analysis

Analytical Thinking

Data Analysis Tools

Lean Six Sigma

Financial Acumen

Communication & Presentation

Project Management

Team Leadership

Problem Solving

Minitab / Excel

Change Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

BS/BE in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Minitab

MES

Oracle

Excel

Job description

Job Overview:

The Continuous Improvement (CI)/Integration Manager collaborates closely with the Plant Manager to lead and coordinate Continuous Improvement initiatives at the site. The role involves identifying, analyzing, proposing, and implementing strategies to optimize resource utilization across materials, labor, utilities, and equipment. The CI Manager partners with various functional areas to drive change throughout the facility, ensuring cost‑saving targets are met within plant operations. In addition to their strategic responsibilities, the CI Manager acts as a coach and mentor to managers, supervisors, and team members. This includes fostering a zero‑loss manufacturing culture and building Lean Manufacturing skills across the organization. By empowering all team members to identify and eliminate waste and inefficiencies. The CI Manager/Integration plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable improvements and operational excellence with systems such MES, Oracle, and Quality.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, lead time reduction, yield improvements
• Plan, facilitate and execute continuous improvement events as well as lead long term projects
• Owns the development, implementation and execution of the plant’s for the Annual Operating Plan Savings
• Uses six sigma and lean disciplines to drive continuous improvement projects, lead teams, coach, and mentor factory personnel.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends, root causes, and measure the effectiveness of improvement projects.
• Partners with the entire plant team to identify and prioritize losses
• Manage improvement projects from initiation to completion, including setting goals, timelines and performance metrics.
• Facilitate change management processes to ensure smooth implementation of new processes and minimize resistance.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the impact of continuous improvement
• Provides technical expertise and input in resolving bottlenecks to throughput; determines efficient methods for worker and equipment utilization.
• Leads critical cost savings projects using project management tools
• Manages development and execution of the plant Productivity Deck (list of CI projects for the year)
• Report status and results of projects to stakeholders
• Develops management systems, establishes work measurement programs, and performs line workload observations to develop standards for labor and materials utilization.
• Works hand in hand with functional department representatives to create task teams and leads brainstorming to identify areas of improvement; proposes and implement continuous improvements initiatives.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional teams from various departments to identify and address process improvement opportunities
• Provides analysis, input, and support for the budget process.
• Prepares and gives formal presentations to management about projects progress and direction.
• Prepares cost /benefit analyses and presents recommendations to management.
• Ensure the benefits generated by the projects are properly measured and that the impact on total costs are validated by finance
• Train and coach the plant leaders, project leaders, and others as needed on the Focused Improvement methodologies
• Builds skills and capabilities on Continuous Improvement tools such as Zero Base Analysis, Process Mapping, 5-Why Analysis, Rapid Changeover, Line Balancing, Waste Walk, Kaizen, DMAIC, etc. across all functions of the plant
• Ensures standardization of CI methods across the plant.
• Tracks and ensure sustainability of improvements
• Reports out progress of cost savings execution
• Share best practices and adopt best practices from other plants
• Build collaborative relationships with business partners.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills:

• BS or BE degree preferably in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering
• Experience leading continuous improvement teams and using statistical analysis
• Cost accounting experience or financial acumen is a plus
• Change Enabler
• Must have very strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and software
• Highly self-motivated; able to work with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of TPM, with advanced understanding of Focused Improvement Pillar
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification Preferred
• Application of Continuous Improvement Tools (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM)
• Strong PC skills, including the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point, and Minitab
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Experience leading teams and facilitating meetings
• Strong project management skills
• Strong problem solving skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate up and down the organization
• A proven track record of results with a bias for action

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Yes

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