Continuous Improvement Manager

Socket.dev; Euclid (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Elmet Technologies seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager in Euclid, OH to lead Lean and CI initiatives across our multi-site manufacturing network. This hands-on leader will facilitate Kaizen events, develop value streams, and coach teams to sustain gains with strong KPI visibility.

You will partner with Operations, Finance, and site leadership to standardize processes, build CI capabilities, and deliver measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and cost.

Qualifications

• 5+ years leading Continuous Improvement initiatives within manufacturing or industrial operations.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles; Lean Six Sigma Black Belt strongly preferred.
• Structured problem-solving using A3, Fishbone, 5 Whys, and root cause analysis.
• Ability to translate data into actionable process improvements.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Experience developing KPIs, dashboards, and visual management systems.
• Power BI programming or advanced dashboard development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives aligned with operational and business priorities across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Develop value stream maps and identify opportunities to eliminate waste, improve flow, and standardize critical manufacturing processes.
• Build and maintain a multi-site Kaizen roadmap in partnership with site and functional leadership.
• Lead Kaizen events while coaching site teams to independently facilitate and sustain future improvement activities.
• Partner with Operations and Finance to develop KPIs, dashboards, visual management tools, and standardized performance reporting.
• Analyze operational data and facilitate structured problem solving using Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Influence cross-functional teams, reinforce accountability, and build Continuous Improvement capabilities throughout the organization.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

A3

Fishbone

5 Whys

Root cause analysis

KPI development

Cross-functional leadership

Power BI dashboards

Education

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Job description

About Elmet Technologies

Elmet Technologies is a division of The Elmet Group and a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of precision-engineered products serving global industries, including aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and energy. Through advanced materials processing and precision manufacturing capabilities, Elmet produces high-performance components for some of the world's most demanding applications.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager based out of our Euclid, Ohio facility to lead and embed Lean and Continuous Improvement practices across our multi-site manufacturing organization.

Reporting to the VP of Quality & Continuous Improvement, this role will partner closely with Operations, Finance, and site leadership to identify improvement opportunities, standardize processes, strengthen performance visibility, and build sustainable Continuous Improvement capabilities across the organization.

This is a highly collaborative and hands-on leadership role that will operate primarily through influence rather than direct authority. The successful candidate will be comfortable facilitating Kaizen events on the manufacturing floor, analyzing operational performance, coaching teams, and challenging existing processes to deliver measurable results.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives aligned with operational and business priorities across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Develop value stream maps and identify opportunities to eliminate waste, improve flow, and standardize critical manufacturing processes.
• Build and maintain a multi-site Kaizen roadmap in partnership with site and functional leadership.
• Lead Kaizen events while coaching site teams to independently facilitate and sustain future improvement activities.
• Partner with Operations and Finance to develop KPIs, dashboards, visual management tools, and standardized performance reporting.
• Analyze operational data and facilitate structured problem solving using Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Influence cross-functional teams, reinforce accountability, and build Continuous Improvement capabilities throughout the organization.

What Success Looks Like

• Value stream maps established for major manufacturing processes
• Clear, prioritized Kaizen roadmaps aligned with site leadership
• Successful Kaizen events facilitated across manufacturing locations
• Increased process consistency and standardization across sites
• Improved visibility and utilization of operational KPIs
• Site teams increasingly capable of independently leading Continuous Improvement activities
• Measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, and operational performance

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 5+ years of experience leading Continuous Improvement initiatives within manufacturing or industrial operations
• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles; Lean Six Sigma Black Belt strongly preferred
• Strong expertise with structured problem-solving tools including A3, Fishbone, 5 Whys, and root cause analysis
• Demonstrated ability to analyze operational data and translate findings into actionable improvements
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Strong facilitation, coaching, mentoring, and change-management skills
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations preferred
• Experience developing KPIs, visual management systems, and operational dashboards
• Power BI programming or advanced dashboard development experience is a plus
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to challenge existing practices and drive accountability

Why Join Elmet Technologies

• Benefits Starting from Day 1, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Play a key role in building and maturing Continuous Improvement capabilities across a growing manufacturing organization
• Opportunity to influence operational performance across multiple manufacturing facilities
• Work directly with Operations, Finance, Quality, and senior leadership on high-impact initiatives
• Build sustainable Lean capabilities and help shape a Continuous Improvement culture across the organization
• High-visibility role with the opportunity to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, and performance
• Competitive compensation, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities

Search Process Note

The Elmet Group is managing this search directly and is not accepting submissions from outside recruitment firms.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Elmet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve.