Continuous Improvement Manager

Rex Materials of Kansas, LLC; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rex Materials of Kansas, LLC is seeking a Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager responsible for driving operational excellence in thermal engineered materials manufacturing. You will develop a site-wide CI roadmap aligned with financial and operational goals, focusing on process improvements and cost savings.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, 3–5+ years of manufacturing experience, and Lean Six Sigma certification. This role emphasizes a hands-on approach and engagement with the manufacturing process.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of on-site manufacturing experience, including leadership or management responsibility.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt preferred).
• Demonstrated success improving throughput, capacity, and operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Drive throughput and capacity improvements by identifying bottlenecks.
• Implement and sustain layered process audits to reinforce standards.
• Analyze production and performance data to identify trends and root causes.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Minitab

Job description

Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence and creating measurable value across a thermal engineered materials manufacturing site. This is a highly hands‑on role that requires deep engagement with day‑to‑day operations, learning the manufacturing processes end‑to‑end, and identifying practical opportunities for improvement, throughput gains, and cost savings.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with plant leadership to develop and execute a site‑wide Continuous Improvement roadmap aligned with financial and operational goals.
• Become fully immersed in the manufacturing process to understand workflows, constraints, and improvement opportunities firsthand.
• Drive throughput and capacity improvements by identifying bottlenecks, optimizing workflows, and improving process reliability.
• Create and implement cost savings initiatives delivering year‑over‑year savings that are verifiable on the plant P&L.
• Lead cross‑functional teams using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving methodologies (DMAIC, A3, 8D).
• Identify inefficiencies and cost drivers and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Implement and sustain layered process audits (LPAs) to reinforce standards and drive accountability.
• Support capital projects by ensuring operational efficiency and risk reduction are built into design and execution.
• Conduct regular Gemba walks to observe processes, engage teams, and identify real‑time improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain value stream maps to eliminate waste and improve flow.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are updated and standardized following process improvements.
• Analyze production and performance data to identify trends, constraints, and root causes.
• Translate CI initiatives into quantifiable cost savings, throughput gains, and operational improvements.
• Track, validate, and report results of improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a strong and visible presence on the plant floor.
• Coach and develop employees at all levels in Lean tools and continuous improvement practices.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and hands‑on improvement workshops.
• Foster a culture of accountability, standardization, problem‑solving and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 3–5+ years of on‑site manufacturing experience, including leadership or management responsibility.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt preferred).
• Demonstrated success improving throughput, capacity, and operational performance.
• Experience implementing LPAs, conducting Gemba walks, and driving standard work.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and influence at all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in industrial, materials, or process manufacturing environments.
• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab, etc.).

EEO Statement

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.