Continuous Improvement Manager

Komline; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Komline seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead lean initiatives, improve efficiency, quality, and productivity. This role will create the foundational roadmap for Kaizen, educate and train teams, and drive immediate value through process mapping and Kaizen execution across the organization.

The role includes rolling out Policy Deployment, aligning BUs, and building a self-sufficient CI team across multiple sites to reduce waste and enhance performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, supply chain, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in operations, supply chain, or continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate KBS principles and processes across Komline.
• Partner with BU leadership on standardized KBS implementation and alignment.
• Coordinate with BUs on progress of KBS rollout.
• Train and develop team members from leadership to shop-floor on lean processes.
• Lead rollout of Policy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri, X‑Matrix, True North) as the system matures.
• Create sustainable processes across multi-site manufacturing and gain buy-in for lean tools.

Skills

Lean principles

Kaizen

Team leadership

Process mapping

Training & mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, supply chain, or related field

Tools

Hoshin Kanri

X-Matrix

Job description

About Komline

As a pioneering leader in advanced separation technologies, Komline has established a global reputation for engineering excellence. Through our combination of innovative design, cutting‑edge manufacturing capabilities, and decades of industry experience, we consistently deliver the highest quality equipment from our integrated manufacturing facilities. Serving our core markets of Water & Process, Agricultural & Renewables, and Industrials, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive separation solutions precisely tailored to our clients' requirements. With a strong track record of strategic growth and acquisitions, Komline continues to expand its solution portfolio and technical capabilities while maintaining our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

This Opportunity

The Continuous Improvement Manager will lead and drive Komline’s continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity. This role involves identifying opportunities for process improvements, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the entire organization. The Continuous Improvement Manager, in addition to creating the foundational roadmap and execution of lean best practices (Kaizen), will educate and train team members through a mixed strategy of instruction and hands‑on best practices to drive immediate value execution, process mapping, and Kaizen implementation.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Facilitate Komline Business System (KBS) principles and processes across Komline
• Partner with Business Unit (BU) leadership on standardized KBS implementation, documentation, templates, and alignment of BUs in a standard approach to KBS
• Coordinate with BUs on their progress in implementing KBS as the system scales and matures over short‑ and long‑term timeframes to align with business needs
• Train and develop team members ranging from senior leadership to shop‑floor associates on lean process by means of Kaizen and continuous improvement
• Lead rollout of Policy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri, X‑Matrix, True North, etc.) as the business system matures to achieve breakthroughs for long‑term strategy
• Create sustainable and fit‑for‑purpose processes within Komline’s multi‑site, large equipment manufacturing environment; create buy‑in for lean manufacturing tools and culture
• Lead central Kaizen funnel review and facilitate events on site, assure effectiveness of Kaizens by accounting for proven sustainability of event results
• Build a team of self‑sufficient continuous improvement leaders at key operational sites to drive daily best practices and waste reduction
• Hands‑on use of lean tools, bowlers, problem solving, and action plans
• Report and quantify the impact of KBS and Komline’s lean and continuous improvement program

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, supply chain, or a related field
• At least five years of previous experience in operations, supply chain, or continuous improvement