Continuous Improvement Manager

Associated Materials Innovations; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AMI's Continuous Improvement Manager will drive operational excellence across the Cedar Rapids manufacturing network, applying Lean, Six Sigma, and standardized work to reduce waste, improve equipment performance, and boost safety and quality.

The role collaborates with Plant Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and HR to ensure processes are stable, repeatable, and continuously improved, translating Lean tools into practical frontline solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, industrial technology, manufacturing, or related field.
• 5–10 years of CI, Lean, or operations experience in manufacturing.
• Proven success leading plant-level Lean/CI initiatives with measurable results.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt; Black Belt strongly preferred.
• TPM, SMED, Kaizen facilitation training is a plus.
• Certifications in change management or project management are a plus.
• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing principles.
• Statistical analysis & root-cause problem solving.
• ERP and MES systems experience.
• Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools.
• Strong shop-floor leadership and communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead CI strategy and deployment across the manufacturing plant.
• Align CI initiatives with KPIs including OEE, scrap, throughput, and labor utilization.
• Serve as Lean/Operational Excellence champion and mentor belt projects.
• Partner with Plant Manager to prioritize high-impact CI projects.
• Conduct value stream mapping to identify bottlenecks and opportunities.
• Lead Kaizen events to reduce scrap, downtime, and changeover time.
• Improve equipment reliability with Maintenance/Engineering; support TPM programs.
• Train operators and supervisors in Lean tools; mentor Green/Yellow Belt project leaders.
• Integrate CI thinking into onboarding and supervisor development.
• Define, measure, and report CI results; maintain CI portfolio and scorecard.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Problem solving

Leadership presence

Data analysis

Excel

Power BI

Minitab

Communication

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

ERP systems

MES systems

Excel

Power BI

Minitab

Job description

Who We Are

Join the Associated Materials Innovations team at Associated Materials, LLC, and be AMazing with us!At Associated Materials Innovations, we combine our rich history in innovation with an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement of the customer experience. For decades, we have provided vinyl windows, siding, and metal building products that have helped build homes and communities across North America.

Who We Are

Join the Associated Materials Innovations team at Associated Materials, LLC, and be AMazing with us!At Associated Materials Innovations, we combine our rich history in innovation with an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement of the customer experience. For decades, we have provided vinyl windows, siding, and metal building products that have helped build homes and communities across North America.
As a leading manufacturer of exterior building products and preferred product manufacturer for Alside, you'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas in a welcoming and supportive work environment driven by safety and our core values. Join the AMI team where you can be AMazing as we shape our future together.

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence across the manufacturing network through Lean, Six Sigma, and standardized work methodologies. This role reports to the plant manager and focuses on reducing waste, improving equipment performance, optimizing labor efficiency, and strengthening safety and quality results.

The CI Manager partners closely with Plant Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and HR to ensure manufacturing processes are stable, repeatable, and continuously improving.

The ideal candidate has strong shopfloor presence, understands production flow and equipment constraints, and can translate Lean tools into practical, effective solutions for frontline teams.

Key Accountabilities

• Manufacturing Strategy & Leadership
• Lead the development and deployment of the Continuous Improvement strategyacross the manufacturing plant.
• Align CI initiatives with plant KPIs, including OEE, scrap, rework, throughput, changeover time, cost per unit, and labor utilization.
• Serve as the plant's Lean/Operational Excellence champion, modeling disciplined problem-solving and data driven decision-making.
• Partner with Plant Manager and leadership team to prioritize high impact CI projects that improve productivity, quality, and safety.
• Process Optimization
• Conduct value stream mappingto identify bottlenecks, material flow issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead Kaizen events focused on:
• Reducing scrap and defects
• Minimizing downtime and changeover duration (SMED)
• Improving equipment reliabilityin partnership with Maintenance/Engineering
• Optimizing labor balance and standard work
• Implement 5S and visual management systems on production lines to improve consistency and reduce waste.
• Analyze production data to identify performance gaps and develop corrective action plans.
• Equipment & Operational Efficiency
• Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to support TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) programs.
• Identify root causes of downtime using tools such as 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, FMEA, and implement countermeasures.
• Support implementation of automation, ergonomic improvements, and other technologies that increase line efficiency.
• Training & Capability Building
• Train plant employees--including operators, leads, supervisors, and engineers in Lean tools (5S, standard work, Kanban, problem-solving).
• Mentor Green Belt/Yellow Belt project leaders and support their certification progress.
• Work with HR and Operations leadership to integrate CI thinking into onboarding, new supervisor training, and ongoing plant development programs.
• Performance Tracking & KPIs
• Define, measure, and report CI results in areas such as: (Examples only)
• OEE (Availability, Performance, Quality)
• Scrap and material yield
• Process cycle time and lead time
• Labor productivity and utilization
• Safety improvements / near-miss reduction
• Maintain a CI project portfolio, scorecard, and regular reporting cadence with plant leadership and corporate operations.
• Change Management & Culture Building
• Lead change-management efforts to ensure new processes are adopted and sustained.
• Coach supervisors and frontline leads to reinforce standard work and daily management practices.
• Promote a culture where operators are engaged, empowered, and encouraged to identify improvement ideas.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, or related field.
• 5--10 years of CI, Lean, or Operations experience in a manufacturing environment(required).
• Demonstrated success leading plant-level Lean/CI initiatives with measurable results and success.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt; Black Beltstrongly preferred.
• Additional technical training (TPM, SMED, Kaizen facilitation) is a plus.
• Certifications in change management, project management (PMP), or similar fields are a plus.
• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing principles
• Statistical analysis & root-cause problem solving
• Standard work and process control
• ERP and MES systems
• Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab).
• Strong shop-floor leadership presence--able to motivate and influence without authority.
• Excellent communicator and facilitator across frontline, supervisors, engineers, and leadership.
• Process thinker with a sense of urgency and strong follow-through.

Success Metrics for This Role

• Increased productivity and throughput
• Reduction in defects, scrap, downtime, or cost of poor quality
• Reduced lead times and improved on time deliveryHigher frontline engagement in CI activities
• Increased number of trained and certified Green/Yellow Belts
• Sustained adoption of standard work and improved operational stability

About Us

When you join AMI, you are part of a leading North American manufacturing business of vinyl windows, cladding, metal siding, trim and other essential exterior building products for residential, light commercial and multifamily projects. In 2022, we introduced our composite cladding system, a first-of-its-kind solution featuring exclusive (GP)2 technology. Headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, AMI is part of Associated Materials, LLC, which owns and operates multiple manufacturing facilities in North America including a distribution center.

Associated Materials Innovations ... Building Products Better

Additional Information

The actual wage offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay parity. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Click to learn more about benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Associated Materials, LLC, provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance. We also makereasonable accommodations for disabled employees and applicants, as required by law.