Continuous Improvement Manager

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.; Willard (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Discounts on company products

Job summary

A leading global tool company is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager in Willard, Ohio. This role involves leading the Continuous Improvement team, fostering a culture of excellence, and implementing lean manufacturing principles. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree, Lean Six Sigma certification and over 5 years of supervisory experience in process optimization. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of supervisory experience in operations improvement or process optimization.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing and ISO standards.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing, ISO standards, and policy development.
• Proven track record of successful project development, management, and implementation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root-cause decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Champion the continuous improvement vision and lead the CI team.
• Analyze processes and develop strategies for improvement.
• Conduct training on lean manufacturing tools for staff.
• Analyze processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop actionable improvement strategies.
• Plan and facilitate rapid improvement events (Kaizen, RIE, OEE, SMED, Line Balancing, 5S).
• Collaborate across departments to maintain standards supporting corporate goals.
• Design and deliver lean training programs for staff, including management.
• Oversee CI personnel selection, qualification, and development.
• Track progress of improvement projects and ensure timely benefits realization.
• Maintain CI documentation and conduct performance evaluations.

Skills

Leadership

Process Improvement

Training & Development

Analysis

Project Management

Collaboration

Compliance

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

HR software (e.g., UKG, Workday)

Job description

Come build something that matters. It takes great people to achieve greatness. People with a sense of purpose and integrity. People with a relentless pursuit of excellence. People who care about making things better for those who make the world. Sound like you? Join our top‑notch team of approximately 48,000 diverse and high‑performing professionals globally who are making their mark on some of the world’s most beloved brands, including DEWALT®, BLACK+DECKER®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, CUB CADET®, and HUSTLER®.

Continuous Improvement Manager – Onsite

Location

Willard, OH, United States

The Job

As a Continuous Improvement Manager, you’ll be part of our Industrial team working as an on‑site employee. You’ll get to:

• Leadership & Strategy
  • Champion the continuous improvement vision and align site strategy with corporate lean objectives.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the Continuous Improvement (CI) team, providing clear direction and fostering a high‑performance culture.
  • Inspire and motivate personnel at all levels to embrace continuous improvement principles.
• Process Improvement
  • Analyze current processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop actionable strategies for improvement.
  • Plan, coordinate, and facilitate rapid improvement events (e.g., Kaizen, RIE, OEE, SMED, Line Balancing, 5S).
  • Collaborate with all departments to establish and maintain standards that support corporate goals.
• Training & Development
  • Design and deliver training programs on lean manufacturing tools and principles for all staff, including management.
  • Identify and address ongoing training and educational needs within the department.
  • Onboard and train new personnel in CI methodologies and best practices.
• Project Management & Execution
  • Oversee selection, qualification, and development of CI personnel.
  • Track and report on progress of improvement projects, ensuring timely completion and realization of benefits.
  • Maintain all documentation related to CI initiatives and departmental activities.
• Performance Management
  • Conduct timely, unbiased performance evaluations for CI team members.
  • Manage time and attendance approvals using relevant HR software (e.g., UKG, Workday).
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Facilitate weekly site productivity meetings and monthly corporate productivity reviews to ensure alignment with targets.
  • Maintain active involvement with SBD performance‑excellence programs (e.g., SPX).
  • Encourage open communication, empowering staff to identify concerns and suggest improvement opportunities.
• Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure all personnel understand and adhere to safe and proper use of equipment.
  • Support compliance with ISO standards and internal policies.

The Person

You love to learn and grow and be acknowledged for your valuable contributions. You’re not intimidated by innovation. You also have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (required).
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred; Green Belt acceptable.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience in operations improvement or process optimization.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing, ISO standards, and policy/procedure development.
• Proven track record of successful project development, management, and implementation.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and root‑cause decision‑making skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel and Power BI.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• High level of initiative, adaptability, and commitment to driving organizational change.
• This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship (H1B, OPT/CPT, TN etc).

The Details

You’ll receive a competitive salary and a great benefits plan, including:

• Medical, dental, life, vision, disability, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement, along with programs and benefits that support your well‑being.
• Discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and other partner programs.

And More

Being part of our team means you’ll get to:

• Grow: Be part of our global company with 20+ brands to grow and develop your skills along multiple career paths.
• Learn: Have access to a wealth of learning resources, including our digital learning portal.
• Belong: Experience an awesome place to work, where mutual respect and appreciation for a wide range of perspectives and experiences thrive.
• Give Back: Help us continue to make positive changes locally and globally through volunteerism, giving back, and sustainable business practices.

Who We Are

We’re the world’s largest tool company. We’re industry visionaries. We’re solving problems and advancing the manufacturing trade through innovative technology and our Industry 4.0 Initiative. We are committed to ensuring our state‑of‑the‑art “smart factory” products and services provide greater quality to our customers and greater environmental and social value to our planet. We are unique in that we have a rich and storied history dating back to 1843, but that hasn’t stopped us from evolving into a vibrant, diverse, global growth company.

Benefits & Perks

You’ll get a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits plan that includes medical, dental, life, vision, wellness program, disability, retirement benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Paid Time Off—including paid vacation, holidays & personal days—and tuition reimbursement. And, of course, discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and products and also discount programs for many other vendors and partners.

What You’ll Also Get

Career Opportunity: Career paths aren’t linear. Being part of our global company with 60+ brands gives you the chance to grow and develop your skills along multiple career paths.

Learning & Development

Our lifelong learning philosophy means you’ll have access to a wealth of state‑of‑the‑art learning resources, including our Lean Academy and online university (where you can get certificates and specializations from renowned colleges and universities).

Diverse & Inclusive Culture

We pride ourselves on being an awesome place to work. We respect and embrace differences because that’s how the best work gets done. You’ll find we like to have fun here, too.

Purpose‑Driven Company

You’ll help us continue to make positive changes in the local communities where we work and live as well as in the broader world through volunteerism, giving back and sustainable business practices.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants to Stanley Black & Decker are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran’s status or any other protected characteristic. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete an application or access our website, please contact us at (860) 827‑3923 or at [e-mail]. Due to volume, we cannot respond to unrelated inquiries about the status of a completed application or resetting an account password. Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal.