Continuous Improvement Manager - Essentia

LGI foundation; Lytton (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

LGI foundation in Lytton, Iowa is seeking a CI Manager to enhance operational efficiency through data analysis and Lean principles. The successful candidate will lead projects aimed at waste reduction and implement improvement methodologies throughout the manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams, mentoring staff on Lean techniques, and coordinating continuous improvement initiatives. A Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• 5 years of proven experience in manufacturing or operations with a focus on continuous improvement and Lean principles.
• 5 years of related experience to CI and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of Lean processes and methodologies within a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑functional teams and facilitate Kaizen events.
• Organize and lead CI meetings with plant team for progress reviews.
• Mentor and provide training on CI techniques.

Skills

Lean processes

Continuous improvement

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, operations, or related field

Tools

Value Stream Mapping

Lean tools (continuous flow, setup reduction, pull systems, TPM, 5S practices)

Job description

The CI Manager will optimize operational efficiency by analyzing processes, eliminating waste, and implementing Lean methodologies. They will lead cross‑functional teams, facilitate Kaizen events, provide Lean training, and identify key metrics to drive cost reductions and sustainable improvements at our Lytton Iowa facility.

Responsibilities

• Heavily involved with projects, processes, and performance reports, data, and analysis.
• Work in partnership with local plant leadership and plant improvement teams to identify and implement Lean principles to improve Quality, Cost, Safety, Delivery, and Morale.
• Organize and lead CI meetings with plant team and peers; review and measure progress on improvement during scheduled monthly review meetings.
• Lead as facilitator of plant improvement teams; identify inefficiencies, analyze workflows, and implement improvements to boost productivity.
• Lead Lean, Kaizen, 5S, and Six Sigma projects to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Collect and interpret performance data to identify opportunities, track metrics, and report on project status.
• Mentor and provide training on CI techniques, new procedures, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Partner with departments to align improvement initiatives with company and plant goals.
• Conduct activities to reduce cost and improve operational efficiencies.
• Increase product quality and reliability by utilizing plant cadence and CI principles.
• Drive culture changes toward proactive problem solving by utilizing Lean activities.
• Provide education and mentoring on Lean processes and principles.
• Ensure open communication throughout the plant by keeping management updated on project status and coordinating Lean activities.
• Manage the development and maintenance of methods and systems for measuring to ensure that project goals, objectives, and metrics are being met and maintained.
• Create metrics, goals, and objectives to drive accountability throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Lead the implementation of Lean programs from inception to completion.
• Manage the planning, facilitation, and completion of Lean projects to support cost reduction objectives.
• Evaluate employees’ performance or ability to understand and apply Lean principles.
• Monitor activity level of CI teams and inform management of additional support needed to achieve desired results.
• Model operational excellence and visibly demonstrate leadership/change management behaviors.
• Utilize visual management tools to drive employee empowerment and engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, operations, or related field.
• 5 years of proven experience in manufacturing or operations with a focus on continuous improvement and Lean principles.
• 5 years of related experience to CI and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of Lean processes and methodologies within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Value Stream Mapping, facilitation of Kaizen events, and knowledge of Lean tools such as continuous flow, setup reduction, pull systems, TPM, and 5S practices.

Competencies

• Analytical: Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.
• Design: Generates creative solutions; translates concepts and information into images; uses feedback to modify designs; applies design principles; demonstrates attention to detail.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management: Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget; manages project team activities.
• Technical Skills: Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal Skills: Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; reads and interprets written information.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts team success above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Visionary Leadership: Displays passion and optimism; inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
• Change Management: Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Delegation: Delegates work assignments.
• Leadership: Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates.

Requirements

• Strong analytical, communication, problem‑solving, and CI management skills.
• Enthusiastic about CI and able to inspire and motivate others.
• Lean experience required and fully versed in TQM techniques.
• Demonstrate ability to coach individually or in small groups, manage projects, and apply conflict management skills.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Strong multitasking capabilities, able to prioritize and manage different projects.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to apply them.
• Black Belt or Green Belt training preferred and/or equivalent experience.