Continuous Improvement Manager

Constellation Search Group; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Constellation Search Group seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager for a full-time direct-hire role. You will lead the plant-wide Continuous Improvement System deployment, foster a culture of operational excellence, and partner with plant leadership, engineering, and operations to drive Lean initiatives and measurable gains.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or Business, 5+ years leading manufacturing CI programs, Lean Six Sigma certification, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, operations management, business, or related field.
• Five+ years leading continuous improvement in manufacturing.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or similar operational excellence experience.
• Ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence without direct authority.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with ability to translate improvements into results.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience with SAP, automation, or manufacturing data platforms preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma certification and leadership experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation, deployment, and sustainment of the plant\'s Continuous Improvement System.
• Partner with plant leadership to develop and execute continuous improvement strategies.
• Identify, prioritize, and lead initiatives driving SQDCP improvements.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, maintenance, and technical teams on process improvements.
• Manage CI project portfolio to achieve targeted operational and financial results.
• Establish auditing and governance processes for CI standards and accountability.
• Facilitate operational reviews to assess performance and adjust action plans.
• Champion Lean tools and methodologies (Kaizen, Daily Management Systems, 6S, etc.).
• Coach leaders and employees to build sustainable CI capabilities.
• Design and deliver training to strengthen Lean, technical, and leadership skills.
• Share best practices and standardize processes across locations.
• Develop, monitor, and report KPIs showing CI impact.
• Lead change management to sustain process improvements.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Excel / data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Financial acumen

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering / Operations / Business

Tools

SAP

Automation technologies

Manufacturing data platforms

Job description

Constellation Search Group is looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager for a full-time direct hire position. In this role, the Continuous Improvement Manager will lead the deployment and sustainment of a plant-wide continuous improvement system while fostering a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and disciplined execution. This position partners closely with plant leadership, engineering, operations, and cross-functional teams to implement Lean manufacturing principles, drive process improvements, and deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation, deployment, and sustainment of the plant's Continuous Improvement System, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational priorities.
• Partner with plant leadership to develop and execute continuous improvement strategies that support business objectives.
• Identify, prioritize, and lead initiatives that drive sustainable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity (SQDCP).
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, maintenance, and technical teams to implement process improvements and support new technologies and automation.
• Manage the continuous improvement project portfolio, ensuring projects are properly scoped, executed, and achieve targeted operational and financial results.
• Establish auditing and governance processes that reinforce continuous improvement standards and drive accountability throughout the organization.
• Facilitate regular operational reviews to assess performance, identify improvement opportunities, and adjust action plans as needed.
• Champion Lean manufacturing tools and methodologies, including Kaizen, Daily Management Systems, Standard Work, 6S, Layered Process Audits, and structured problem-solving.
• Coach and develop leaders and employees to build sustainable continuous improvement capabilities across the organization.
• Design and deliver training programs to strengthen Lean, technical, and leadership competencies.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to share best practices and standardize successful processes across multiple locations.
• Develop, monitor, and report key performance indicators that demonstrate the operational and financial impact of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure employee engagement, successful implementation, and long-term sustainability of process improvements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience leading continuous improvement initiatives within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence methodologies in a manufacturing setting.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders without direct reporting authority.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to translate operational improvements into measurable business results.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience with manufacturing systems such as SAP, automation technologies, or manufacturing data platforms is preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma certification and previous leadership or supervisory experience are a plus.

A comprehensive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, and a retirement savings plan.

Salary Disclaimer:

Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe that different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthen our team and drive innovation. We do not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.