Continuous Improvement Manager

Illinois Tool Works; Chicago Heights (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturing company seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager to enhance operational performance and product quality. This strategic role includes leading improvement initiatives, supporting safety compliance, and developing future leaders within the organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing operations and a passion for driving continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, or quality leadership.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver sustainable process improvements.
• Knowledge of quality systems and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and structured improvement projects.
• Provide leadership to the site Quality Team and maintain product standards.
• Collaborate with site leaders to improve safety awareness and ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Communication

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Safety

Job description

Job Description:

Company Overview

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) is a Fortune 200 global manufacturing leader, founded in 1912, delivering specialized products and innovative solutions across diverse industries. With over $15.9 billion in revenue (2024), ITW operates with a decentralized business model focused on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and strong talent development across its global footprint.

Division Overview – ITW Specialty Films

ITW Specialty Films manufactures and markets coated and metallized films used in Financial Cards, Secure ID, Medical Bags, Laminations, and Holographics. Operating from eight locations across North America and Europe, the division leverages deep technical expertise to meet specialized customer needs.

Position Summary

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Continuous Improvement Manager to join our site leadership team. This role plays a pivotal part in driving operational performance, enhancing product quality, and supporting safety and environmental compliance. This is a highly visible, strategic position that will shape the site’s continuous improvement culture, develop talent, and lead high-impact initiatives.

Working within ITW’s proprietary operating framework and division-specific improvement strategies, this leader will evaluate current processes, identify opportunities for performance enhancement, and build sustainable systems that drive operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence (30%)

Champion continuous improvement initiatives aligned with ITW’s proprietary business model and toolbox.Lead and facilitate structured improvement projects that deliver measurable gains in efficiency, reliability, and cost.Collaborate with R&D on new product development and customer backed innovation. Lead operational efforts within our stage gate framework, including development of control plans and FMEAs for new products. Develop and execute a site-level roadmap for continuous improvement, aligned with plant goals and priorities. Partner with the Operations Manager and site leadership to align improvement efforts with strategic business objectives.Coach and support teams at all levels to foster problem-solving capability, accountability, and innovation.Track progress through relevant KPIs and ensure clear visibility to results.

Quality & Compliance Leadership (30%)

Provide daily leadership to the site Quality Team to maintain and improve product and process standards.Support robust quality systems through audits, corrective actions, and continuous feedback loops with cross-functional teams.

Serve as a quality advocate during customer audits and interface with internal and external stakeholders on quality performance.Help embed a culture of quality ownership and continuous learning across the site.

Safety & Environmental Support (25%)

Collaborate with site leaders to improve safety awareness, behavior, and performance.Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations (OSHA, EPA, etc.).Lead or support safety initiatives including risk assessments, incident investigations, and improvement planning.Contribute to the development of site-specific safety training and systems to ensure ongoing compliance and engagement.

People Engagement & Leadership (15%)

Build and develop a strong pipeline of future leaders within the CI, Quality and Maintenance teams through coaching, mentorship, and training.Support employee engagement efforts by promoting a culture of inclusion, continuous learning, and frontline empowerment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervise and develop exempt and non-exempt team members.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Safety, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, or quality leadership.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver sustainable process improvements.
• Knowledge of quality systems, regulatory requirements, and practical risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is:

Requires frequent standing, Walking, computer use, and communication with both office and production floor teams.

Regular movement through production areas; proper PPE provided as needed.

Travel up to 20% divisionally as needed.

Working Conditions

On-site role in manufacturing facility environment.

Compensation Information:

Pay Range

Salary $98,000 - $118,000

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.