Continuous Improvement Manager

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Fruitland (ID); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodgrain in Fruitland, Idaho, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to drive operational excellence across its manufacturing operations. You will lead development and implementation of CI strategies to boost productivity, safety, quality, and financial performance, partnering with production teams to identify opportunities and standardize processes.

The ideal candidate combines hands-on leadership with strong analytical skills and a passion for process improvement, capable of influencing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Candidates without a bachelor’s degree may qualify with an additional 4 years of related experience.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Minimum 5 years of Continuous Improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3 years leading Lean Manufacturing or operational excellence initiatives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.
• Facilitate Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence programs across manufacturing departments, maintenance, warehouse, and related functions.
• Lead training efforts in Lean principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and problem‑solving techniques.
• Drive implementation of Lean tools including: 5S, Kaizen Events, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Visual Management, Root Cause Analysis, SMED, TPM
• Partner with department leaders to establish continuous improvement roadmaps and project priorities.
• Facilitate cross‑functional problem‑solving teams to address operational challenges and improve processes.
• Support implementation and sustainability of standardized work practices.
• Conduct process observations, audits, and assessments to identify improvement opportunities.
• Manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously while ensuring timely completion and results achievement.
• Develop business cases for improvement initiatives and report achieved savings and benefits.
• Support capital projects by evaluating process impacts and identifying opportunities for operational improvements.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Problem Solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

4 years related experience in lieu of degree

Tools

5S

Kaizen Events

Value Stream Mapping

Standard Work

Visual Management

Root Cause Analysis

SMED

TPM

Job description

Career Opportunities: Continuous Improvement Manager (5423)

Work Environment: Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

Job Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence initiatives across Woodgrain's manufacturing operations in Fruitland, Idaho. This position leads the development and implementation of continuous improvement strategies that enhance productivity, safety, quality, and financial performance of the plant. The Continuous Improvement Manager partners with Production Managers, Production Supervisors, and frontline team members to identify opportunities, eliminate waste, standardize processes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with strong analytical skills, a passion for process improvement, and the ability to influence change.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.
• Facilitate Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence programs across manufacturing departments, maintenance, warehouse, and related functions.
• Lead training efforts in Lean principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and problem‑solving techniques.
• Drive implementation of Lean tools including:
  • 5S
  • Kaizen Events
  • Value Stream Mapping
  • Standard Work
  • Visual Management
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • SMED
  • Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Partner with department leaders to establish continuous improvement roadmaps and project priorities.
• Facilitate cross‑functional problem‑solving teams to address operational challenges and improve processes.
• Support implementation and sustainability of standardized work practices.
• Conduct process observations, audits, and assessments to identify improvement opportunities.
• Manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously while ensuring timely completion and results achievement.
• Develop business cases for improvement initiatives and report achieved savings and benefits.
• Support capital projects by evaluating process impacts and identifying opportunities for operational improvements.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Candidates without a bachelor’s degree will qualify with an additional 4 years of related experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Minimum 5 years of Continuous Improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3 years leading Lean Manufacturing or operational excellence initiatives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Experience in wood products industries.
• Experience leading cultural transformation initiatives.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment are representative of a typical office environment, though this person is expected to occasionally be on and work in the manufacturing floor/environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. This is a full‑time position. This position may require long hours and occasional weekend work.

Travel:

Travel to other Woodgrain locations is generally not expected and will occur 10% or less of the employee’s schedule.