Continuous Improvement Manager

Risus Talent Partners; Tualatin (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Risus Talent Partners is seeking a Regional Continuous Improvement Manager to lead Lean transformation across a regional network of manufacturing and distribution sites in Oregon. This hands-on leader partners with site and regional leadership to identify opportunities and drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost.

You will coach leadership, build sustainable operating systems, run Kaizen events, develop roadmaps, and sustain gains through daily management and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Process Improvement, or Operations Leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading measurable operational improvement initiatives in manufacturing, distribution, logistics, or similar environments.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong knowledge of Lean principles and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience implementing daily management systems and performance routines.
• Excellent analytical skills to interpret operational/financial data for decisions.
• Proven project management from planning to sustainment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, coaching, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to travel up to 75% across the assigned region.

Responsibilities

• Partner with regional and site leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead Lean transformation across manufacturing, converting, warehouse, distribution, and support operations.
• Develop and execute site-specific improvement roadmaps aligned with regional priorities.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and cross-functional problem-solving.
• Apply Lean methodologies including 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Visual Management, Kanban, SMED, RCA.
• Implement and sustain Lean Daily Management systems with visual boards and tier meetings.
• Coach plant leadership, supervisors, and frontline employees on Lean principles.
• Analyze performance metrics to identify safety, quality, downtime, productivity, and lead time gains.
• Develop standardized processes and best practices; support site needs.
• Partner with Operations and Finance to validate improvements and business impact.
• Monitor progress and sustain improvements through engagement and management systems.
• Present updates and results to regional leadership.
• Collaborate with Safety, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and others to improve end-to-end operations.
• Support enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives and capability development.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Operational Excellence

Process Improvement

Cross-functional Leadership

Project Management

Data Analysis

Coaching/Training

Problem-Solving

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering / Operations / Supply Chain or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Process mapping/tools

Job description

Location: Tualatin, Oregon (Regional Travel Required)

About the Opportunity

An established, multi-site manufacturing and distribution organization is seeking an experienced Regional Continuous Improvement Manager to lead operational excellence initiatives across a regional network of facilities.

This highly visible leadership role partners with regional and site leadership teams to identify improvement opportunities, implement Lean manufacturing and operational excellence strategies, and drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, customer service, and cost performance.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on change leader who enjoys coaching others, building sustainable operating systems, and leading cross-functional improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing and distribution locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with regional and site leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement initiatives aligned with operational and business objectives.
• Lead Lean transformation efforts across manufacturing, converting, warehouse, distribution, and support operations.
• Develop and execute site-specific improvement roadmaps that align with regional priorities.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and cross-functional problem-solving initiatives.
• Apply Lean methodologies including 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Visual Management, Kanban, SMED, Root Cause Analysis, and other structured improvement tools.
• Implement and sustain Lean Daily Management systems, including visual performance boards, tier meetings, leader standard work, and accountability routines.
• Coach plant leadership, supervisors, and frontline employees on Lean principles and continuous improvement practices.
• Analyze operational performance metrics to identify opportunities related to safety, quality, downtime, productivity, inventory, labor utilization, lead time, and overall operational performance.
• Develop standardized processes and best practices while supporting site-specific operational needs.
• Partner with Operations and Finance to validate improvement results and measurable business impact.
• Monitor project progress and ensure improvements are sustained through effective management systems and employee engagement.
• Present project updates, recommendations, and results to regional leadership.
• Collaborate with Safety, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and other functional teams to improve end-to-end operations.
• Support enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives and organizational capability development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Process Improvement, or Operations Leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading measurable operational improvement initiatives in manufacturing, distribution, logistics, or similar industrial environments.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience implementing daily management systems and operational performance routines.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational and financial data to drive business decisions.
• Proven project management experience from project planning through implementation and sustainment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, coaching, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and process mapping or data visualization tools.
• Ability to travel up to 75% throughout the assigned region.

Salary Range

$120,000 to $170,000 annually

Comprehensive benefits are available and may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement savings with company match, life and disability insurance, employee assistance programs, professional development opportunities, and other employee benefit offerings.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.