Continuous Improvement Manager

ITW; Michigan; On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager - Manufacturing Excellence for our Kalkaska, MI facility.

You will lead CI initiatives, strengthen quality systems, and improve equipment reliability while embedding ITW's 80/20 principles and our Business Model across operations, engineering, maintenance, and quality teams. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong problem-solving, an operational mindset, and the ability to translate data into actionable

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase throughput
• Develop and execute a site-level CI roadmap tied to business goals and performance metrics
• Drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, and data-driven decision making
• Implement standardized processes, KPIs, and visual management systems
• Partner with Operations and Engineering to improve process capability and equipment performance
• Support new product introduction through stage-gate processes, FMEAs, and control plans
• Identify equipment upgrades and prepare capital expenditure requests
• Lead and strengthen site quality systems and processes
• Support audits (internal and external), corrective actions, and compliance initiatives
• Promote a culture of quality ownership and continuous learning
• Partner cross-functional to improve product consistency and customer satisfaction
• Provide leadership and direction to maintenance and engineering support teams
• Improve preventive and predictive maintenance systems
• Drive initiatives that reduce downtime and improve equipment reliability
• Support and champion a

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 specialized coated and metallized films used in Secure ID, Medical Specialty Bags, Financial Cards, Laminations, and Holographic applications. With multiple manufacturing facilities in the US, UK, and Germany, the division leverages core competencies in films, foils, holography, and laminates to meet complex customer needs.

ITW offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical plan options with FSA and HSA plans, dental, prescription drug, vision, 401(k)with a company match, life insurance, wellness programs,employee discounts, 12 paid holidays per year, vacation and sick timestarting in year of hire,and a corporate matching gift program for charitable donations! More information can be found here: https://myitwhr.com/

Position Summary

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager -Manufacturing Excellence to play a key role in advancing our site's operational performance at our Kalkaska, MI location.Thishighvisible leadership roleis responsible fordriving continuous improvement, strengthening quality systems, enhancing equipment reliability, and building a culture rooted in ITW's Business Model and 80/20 principles.

You will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to deliver measurable results, improve processes, and develop scalable systems that support long-term success.This role is ideal for a hands-on, emerging leader who brings strong problem-solving skills, an operational mindset, and a passion for improving how work gets done.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence (40%)

• Identifyopportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase throughput
• Develop and execute a site-level CI roadmap tied to business goals and performance metrics
• Drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, and data-driven decision making
• Implement standardized processes, KPIs, and visual management systems
• Partner with Operations and Engineering to improve process capability and equipment performance
• Support new product introduction through stage-gate processes, FMEAs, and control plans
• Identify equipment upgrades and prepare capital expenditure requests

Quality Systems Leadership (20%)

• Lead and strengthen site quality systems and processes
• Support audits (internal and external), corrective actions, and compliance initiatives
• Promote a culture of quality ownership and continuous learning
• Partner cross-functional to improve product consistency and customer satisfaction

Maintenance & Equipment Reliability (20%)

• Provide leadership and direction to maintenance and engineering support teams
• Improve preventive and predictive maintenance systems
• Drive initiatives that reduce downtime and improve equipment reliability

Safety & Compliance (10%)

• Support and champion a