Continuous Improvement Manager

KMT Waterjet; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Shape Technologies Group (SHAPE) seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager for Baxter Springs, KS to lead site initiatives across manufacturing operations. You will partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

The role requires Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen expertise, strong analytics, and the ability to drive cross-functional projects; travel and adaptability are expected.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.
• Ability to lead cross-functional improvement projects and influence change at all levels.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Experience using production data, KPIs, Excel, ERP systems, and reporting tools to drive improvements.
• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment and partner across multiple departments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute site continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business goals.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and process improvement projects.
• Identify and eliminate waste, improve workflow, and support standard work across machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and support areas.
• Establish, monitor, and report key performance metrics, including safety, quality, productivity, labor efficiency, scrap, OEE, on-time delivery, and cost savings.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering to support corrective actions, reduce defects, and improve process capability.
• Train and coach supervisors and employees on Lean, problem-solving, and continuous improvement tools.
• Support employee engagement through idea generation, CI participation, and development of CI champions.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Value stream mapping

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical

Problem-solving

Excel

ERP systems

Reporting tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

At Shape Technologies Group (SHAPE), we’re devoted to a single goal: delivering innovative manufacturing process solutions that propel our customers to success. SHAPE is a strategic ecosystem of companies including Advanced Pressure Systems (APS), Flow International, Shape Process Automation, KMT Waterjet, H20 Jet, Aqua Dyne, Aquarese, Pro Jet System, and TOPS. Collectively, we provide an extensive portfolio of manufacturing process solutions to customers around the world.

Spanning 100 countries and a broad array of industries, SHAPE is expanding its reach through a growing number of direct and indirect channels. By partnering with our customers, we become integral to the successful design and manufacture of their next-generation products. We continually scour the globe for new, industry-leading technologies to add to our differentiated portfolio of offerings and grow our customer base. Our vision is to become the preeminent advanced process solutions partner handling the highly engineered products of tomorrow.

What We Offer.

In addition to training and career advancement opportunities, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, life insurance, paid disability insurance, education reimbursement, and more.

SUMMARY

The Continuous Improvement Manager leads continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations at the Baxter Springs facility. This role partners with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Safety, and HR to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and overall operational performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and execute site continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business goals.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and process improvement projects.
• Identify and eliminate waste, improve workflow, and support standard work across machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and support areas.
• Establish, monitor, and report key performance metrics, including safety, quality, productivity, labor efficiency, scrap, OEE, on-time delivery, and cost savings.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering to support corrective actions, reduce defects, and improve process capability.
• Train and coach supervisors and employees on Lean, problem-solving, and continuous improvement tools.
• Support employee engagement through idea generation, CI participation, and development of CI champions.
• Assist with layout, material flow, capital improvement, safety, and facility optimization projects.
• Ensure continuous improvement activities support safety, compliance, and operational excellence objectives.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.
• Ability to lead cross-functional improvement projects and influence change at all levels.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Experience using production data, KPIs, Excel, ERP systems, and reporting tools to drive improvements.
• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment and partner across multiple departments.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing experience may be considered.
• 5 to 10 years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• 3 to 5 years of continuous improvement or operational excellence experience preferred.
• Experience in machining, fabrication, industrial products, precision manufacturing, or assembly environments preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, Certified Lean Practitioner, or Project Management certification preferred.

LOCATION

Baxter Springs, Kansas

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to sit or stand for an 8+ hour shift. Lift, carry, and move 50+ pounds. Push, pull, reach, bend, and twist your body. Travel up and down stairs. Maneuver around tight equipment.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.