Continuous Improvement Manager - Des Moines, IA

Hubbell Lighting Inc; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Hubbell Lighting Inc. seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager II to lead and drive improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery and Productivity using HMS methods. You will train cross-functional teams, mentor CI specialists and manage a portfolio of improvement projects to achieve KPI-driven results.

The role emphasizes supporting change management, leading Kaizen activities, and partnering with plant leadership to sustain performance programs and ensure data-driven decisions across operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field is required.
• 10–15 years of experience in engineering/industrial environments is required.
• 7+ years in a Continuous Improvement role required.
• 2 years in a technical role with strong management and leadership skills required.
• Experience implementing continuous improvements and Lean principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a tactical continuous improvement plan aligned with SIM and AIM goals.
• Oversee Kaizen activities to achieve productivity targets and develop associates.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to a team of CI specialists.
• Analyze existing processes to identify improvements and optimization opportunities.
• Lead change management to integrate improvements into systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior executives for resources and support.
• Partner with Plant Leadership to sustain HMS Performance Management programs.
• Utilize KPIs to evaluate success and drive data-driven decisions.
• Manage a portfolio of improvement projects with alignment to goals.
• Implement and oversee quality control to ensure improved products and services.
• Maintain records and documentation of CI initiatives and outcomes.

Skills

Lean leadership

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Kaizen

Job description

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for utilizing the principles, improvement formats and tools of the Hubbell Manufacturing System (HMS) to lead and facilitate efforts to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery and Productivity in Hubbell plants and business units. This role involves analyzing existing processes, developing improvement strategies, and overseeing initiatives to drive positive change. The Continuous Improvement Manager II is also responsible for training and engaging cross-functional teams to engage meaningfully in improvement and problem-solving activities.

Every day at Hubbell is different and you’ll contribute in many ways. On any given day, you’ll make a difference by:

• Developing and executing a tactical continuous improvement plan aligned with the organization’s SIM and AIM goals and objectives.
• Overseeing a cadence of Kaizen activities to attain productivity targets while developing associates at all levels to engage with the HMS.
• Providing leadership and guidance to a team of continuous improvement specialists, including mentoring and professional development.
• Overseeing the analysis of existing processes and operations to identify areas for improvement, inefficiencies, and opportunities for optimization.
• Leading change management efforts to ensure that improvement initiatives are effectively adopted and integrated into the organization and its systems.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, departments, and senior executives to gain support and resources for improvement projects.
• Partnering with Plant Leadership to introduce and sustain the HMS Performance Management program of tiered Gemba walks, escalation, problem solving and accountability tracking.
• Utilizing data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success of improvement initiatives and make data driven decisions.
• Managing a portfolio of improvement projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and tracking progress and impact.
• Implementing and overseeing quality control measures to ensure that improvements lead to better quality products and services.
• Maintaining records and documentation related to continuous improvement initiatives and their outcomes.

What will help you thrive in this role?

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field (required)

10 - 15 years of experience (required)

7+ years of experience in a Continuous Improvement role

2 years of experience in a technical role with strong management and leadership skills

Experience in implementing continuous improvements and improvement systems

Driven and able to influence others through leadership, teaching, and hands-on demonstrations of Lean principles and practices

Proven time management skills: ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks effectively

Results-oriented with a track record of delivering results in a fast-paced environment

Process improvement and data analytical skills preferred

Hubbell Incorporated

Hubbell creates critical infrastructure solutions that power our customers, communities, people and the planet. Our company is strategically aligned around enabling grid modernization and electrification. As more products plug in to an aging grid, Hubbell solutions enable the transition to a more reliable, resilient and efficient energy infrastructure. Founded in 1888 our innovation has made us a leading global manufacturer of high quality electrical and utility solutions enabling customers to operate critical infrastructure reliably and efficiently.

The company operates in two segments. Hubbell Utility Solutions (HUS) enable the grid to conduct, communicate and control energy across utility applications and Hubbell Electrical Solutions (HES) are essential to managing power across a wide range of industries and applications. Our vertical market solutions can be applied to markets including Data Centers, Renewables, Commercial Buildings, Industrial, Telecom and Transportation. Supporting both of our business segments is our corporate and Hubbell Unified Business Solutions teams that provide consistent process, tools technologies across our businesses.

We are committed to operating sustainably and ethically while promoting an inclusive and supportive culture for our people to grow and develop in their careers. Our employees proudly work and serve our communities from our headquarters in Shelton, CT, across the United States and around the globe.

Hubbell Utility Solutions

Hubbell Utility Solutions (HUS) enable the grid to conduct, communicate and control energy across utility applications. HUS provides the critical components that allow the grid to reliably transmit and distribute energy, as well as the communications and controls technologies to make the grid smarter and more flexible.

Hubbell Incorporated, its subsidiaries and affiliates, is an EO Employer AA: M/F/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected class.

The above summary of position responsibilities and requirements is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of duties, skills, efforts, physical requirements, or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal position elements essential for making decisions related to position performance, employee development, and compensation.