Director, Continuous Improvement

Viracon LLC; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with match

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Training and career progression

Job summary

Viracon LLC, part of Apogee Enterprises, publicly traded, is seeking a Director of Continuous Improvement in Minnesota. The role leads the Apogee Management System (AMS) deployment across manufacturing sites, driving safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvements.

Travel to Kalwall Enterprises in Manchester, NH is expected; leadership coaching and cross-functional collaboration are essential. Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in manufacturing, a strong Lean background, and a proven record

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of manufacturing or industrial operations experience with proven improvements.
• Proven track record implementing continuous improvement and operational excellence programs.
• Experience leading cultural transformation and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment and sustainment of AMS across manufacturing facilities.
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, throughput, and cost.
• Coach leaders, engineers, and operators in CI practices and standard work.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute strategic improvement initiatives.
• Utilize Kaizen, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, TPM, SMED, and flow optimization.
• Analyze data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Lead change management to ensure adoption and sustainability.
• Track performance results, cost savings, and business impact.
• Develop a high-performing Continuous Improvement team.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Kaizen events

PDCA

DMAIC

SMED

Data analysis

Leadership

Coaching

Change management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Engineering field

Tools

Machine data collection

AI-enabled solutions

Job description

Viracon LLC Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG) is a leading provider of architectural building products and services, as well as high-performance coated materials used in a variety of applications. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, our portfolio of industry-leading products and services includes architectural glass, windows, curtainwall, storefront and entrance systems, integrated project management and installation services, and high-performance coatings that provide protection, innovative design, and enhanced performance. To learn more about our company and brands, visit www.apog.com. On July 1, 2026, Apogee completed the acquisition of Kalwall Enterprises, a vertically integrated manufacturer of high-performance translucent daylighting solutions, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. Kalwall Enterprises is currently being integrated into the Architectural Glass segment in Apogee.

This position is based in Minnesota, with time spent at Viracon in Owatonna, MN and will be expected to travel to Kalwall Enterprises in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Position Summary

The Director of Continuous Improvement (CI) is responsible for leading the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing operations. This role drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost through operational excellence, structured problem solving, and engineering-based solutions. Partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Safety, and HR, the Director will identify performance gaps, prioritize improvement initiatives, and build a culture of continuous improvement across manufacturing sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing facilities.
• Drive operational performance improvements in safety, quality, productivity, throughput, scrap reduction, and cost.
• Coach and develop leaders, engineers, and operators in continuous improvement practices, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute strategic improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives.
• Utilize Lean and operational excellence tools including Kaizen, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, TPM, SMED, flow optimization, standard work, and visual management.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure solutions are adopted, sustained, and embedded into daily operations.
• Track and communicate performance results, cost savings, and business impact of improvement initiatives.
• Develop and build a high-performing, promotable Continuous Improvement team.

Technical Leadership

Provide expertise in manufacturing technologies, including automation, machine data collection, and AI-enabled solutions. Lead efforts to improve process capability, yield, machine utilization, throughput, and scrap reduction. Support new product introductions, equipment selection, and capital investment projects.

Qualifications

Education Bachelor's degree required, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field is preferred.

Experience 10+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations with demonstrated success improving operational performance.

Proven track record implementing and sustaining continuous improvement and operational excellence programs.

Experience leading cultural transformation and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple levels of an organization.

Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologies.

Demonstrated success leading Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects from concept through sustained results.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to drive results across all organizational levels.
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective coaching, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Results-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.

Travel & Work Environment

Frequent presence in manufacturing environments. Travel up to approximately 30%, including overnight travel averaging one week per month based on project and business needs. Ability to work in both office and production settings and lift up to 10 pounds.

Salary Range

$150,000 - $190,000 #LI-TV1

Our Benefits

• Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
• Incentive Plans
• 401(k) with employer contribution and match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Program
• Training and Career Progression

Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer. By definition, Apogee means "highest point." It's no coincidence that it's also the name of our company. For over 70 years it is a name that has inspired and driven us to achieve a higher level of excellence in all we do. We are not satisfied with the status quo. We aim higher, think bigger, and endeavor to create even more value for every Apogee stakeholder. We strive to create peak value. Apogee is a leader in architectural products and services. Our glass and aluminum window, storefront and curtainwall systems make buildings look great, reduce energy consumption, and protect occupants and property. Our highly skilled team designs glass and metal building façades, completes massive orders for skyscrapers on time, and manages complex window, curtainwall and storefront installation projects. We are also a leader in the protection and conservation of all things framed and displayed. Our Tru Vue business provides high-performance glass and acrylic products for the custom framing, fine art, and technical glass markets. Apogee Enterprises, Inc. and our brands are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will received consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.