Continuous Improvement Manager

NEXT LEVEL Partners®, LLC; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading operational consultancy in Cleveland, Ohio, seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager to drive Lean transformations and ERP optimization across existing operations and a new facility. This hands-on role will involve leading initiatives, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and establishing effective visual management. Ideal candidates possess strong CI experience, knowledge of ERP systems, and the ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels. The role targets improvements in flow, rework reduction, and cultural change.

Qualifications

• Experience in driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to facilitate cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong knowledge of material and inventory control practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead improvement initiatives at the current plant and a new facility.
• Facilitate Kaizen events with Engineering and Operations.
• Drive ERP optimization and enhance scheduling accuracy.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Collaboration

ERP Knowledge

Lean Principles

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or related technical field

Tools

Epicor ERP

Job description

Seeking a hands-on Continuous Improvement leader to drive Lean transformation, ERP \optimization, and operational readiness across our existing operations and a new greenfield facility. This role is a highly visible, cross-functional position focused on improving flow, reducing rework and lead time, standardizing processes, and enabling sustainable cultural change through collaboration

The CI Manager will work closely with Engineering, Operations, and Quality to identify gaps, facilitate Kaizen, and ensure systems are designed correctly the first time with downstream impacts in mind. This role does not initially have direct reports and is ideal for a practical Lean professional who thrives in the plant, builds followership, and delivers measurable results.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives at current plant in addition to readiness for a new facility targeted to begin production by June 2027
• Champion Lean principles, value stream mapping, flow optimization, and waste reduction with a strong focus on lead time and rework reduction
• Facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events involving Engineering, Operations, Quality, and supporting functions
• Conduct gap analysis of current processes and systems; define target-state workflows and break implementation into clear, executable steps
• Drive ERP (Epicor) optimization by aligning routings, standard hours, and job structures with actual manufacturing processes
• Standardize routings and operations to eliminate rework loops, split jobs, manual workarounds, and unnecessary complexity
• Improve scheduling accuracy, data integrity, and reporting effectiveness through proper ERP configuration and disciplined process design
• Lead the transition from paper-based workflows to digital, paperless processes (approvals, job packets, issue tracking, no-ship controls)
• Establish effective shop-floor visual management to ensure correct prioritization of work and rapid identification of issues
• Support development of Lean governance, metrics, and scorecards to track facility-wide improvement over time
• Coach and educate teams using a collaborative, respectful approach that builds buy-in and long-term sustainability
• Serve as a hands-on “doer,” executing improvement work directly while enabling others to grow and self-serve

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or related technical field

Must Have:

• Strong CI/Process improvement experience
• Highly collaborative
• Strong ERP systems knowledge
• Material and inventory control practices and production scheduling
• Has, and sets, high expectations for him/herself and the organization; driven by metrics and countermeasures
• Ability and passion for a lean operating system culture
• Ability to create followership and lead an organization through significant change and improvement
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to effectively communicate throughout all levels of the organization.