Manager - Continuous Improvement - NL Continuous Improvement

kdc/one, Northern Labs; Manitowoc (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

KDC/One Northern Labs seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager to drive sitewide Lean, Six Sigma and CI initiatives, reducing losses and enhancing safety, quality, productivity and cost. The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, cross-functional collaboration, and coaching across shifts to sustain improvements aligned with business goals.

Responsibilities include leading training programs, facilitating Kaizen events, and guiding the CI roadmap while ensuring compliance with applicable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, Business or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing, operations or continuous improvement experience including leadership of improvement projects.
• Demonstrated application of Lean methods, structured root-cause analysis, and operational data analysis to achieve measurable improvements.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, operational costs, and the financial impact of improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Leads sitewide Lean, Six Sigma and CI initiatives to drive data-based improvements and behavioral change across the site.
• Delivers Lean training programs (LEAN Training, Belt training) tailored to organizational needs.
• Co-facilitates Kaizen and 90-Day Improvement events to address systemic problems with focused teams.
• Serves as subject matter expert for CI methodology, tools, and daily process controls.
• Leads the Continuous Improvement steering committee to support financial and employee development goals.
• Creates and maintains a continuous improvement roadmap for operations.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Lean methods

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Description / Scope / Mission

The Continuous Improvement Manager leads sitewide initiatives at KDC/One Northern Labs to reduce operational losses and improve safety, quality, productivity and cost. Through data analysis, Lean methodologies, employee development, and collaboration across departments and shifts, this position is responsible for driving sustainable improvements aligned with business objectives and applicable requirements.

Description / Scope / Mission

The Continuous Improvement Manager leads sitewide initiatives at KDC/One Northern Labs to reduce operational losses and improve safety, quality, productivity and cost. Through data analysis, Lean methodologies, employee development, and collaboration across departments and shifts, this position is responsible for driving sustainable improvements aligned with business objectives and applicable requirements.

Key Responsibilities/ Accountabilities

• Utilizes Lean, Six Sigma techniques and CI tools to lead the organization in data-based decision making and driving actions to generate measurable improvement driving behavioral change across site through CI tools, methodology and coaching.
• Delivers effective Continuous Improvement training courses (LEAN Training, Belt training, etc.) and programs to help increase team capability and awareness of the Continuous Improvement tools. The training should be tailored to meet organizational needs and priorities.
• Co-facilitates Kaizen and 90-Day Improvement events in which we effectively build and lead focused and empowered teams to address systemic problems.
• Serve as subject matter expert for CI Methodology, CI Tools and the implementation of Daily Process controls to drive operational improvements.
• Lead the Continuous Improvement (CI) steering committee to support annual financial and employee development goals.
• Create and maintain continuous improvement roadmap for operation.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

MARGINAL JOB DUTIES:

Assist with coordinating logistics and materials for CI training and improvement events

Maintain CI resource materials and shared project files.

Education / Certification / Qualifications / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, Business or related field; or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training and manufacturing experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement experience including leadership of improvement projects.
• Demonstrated application of Lean methods, structured root-cause analysis, and operational data analysis to achieve measurable improvements.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, operational costs, and the financial impact of improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or another relevant Lean certification.
• Experience in consumer products, chemical processing, blending, filling or packaging operations.
• cGMP, ISO 9001, BRCGS or similar quality systems
• Familiarity with Total Productive Maintenance, statistical process control, and failure mode and effects analysis.
• Previous supervisory experience.

Specific Knowledge:

• Practical knowledge of Lean methods, including 5S, value stream mapping, visual management, standard work, and waste reduction.
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving and root cause analysis using tools such as 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams and A3.
• Ability to analyze operational data, recognize process variation, and develop practical recommendations.
• Understanding manufacturing workflow, line balancing, capacity, equipment reliability, and operational losses.
• Working knowledge of operational cost nd the financial impact of improvement projects.
• Ability to clear procedures, project reports, performance measures, and presentations.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet analysis, presentations, and operational reporting tools.
• Ability to prioritize competing needs, resolve issues collaboratively and follow through on agreed actions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees and leaders across shifts.

Leadership Competencies

Results orientation: Uses data to set priorities, drive action, and achieve measurable, sustained improvements.

Collaboration: Builds productive relationships and aligns teams across departments and shifts.

Change Leadership: Communicates the purpose of changes, engages employees, and guides implementation.

Sound Judgement: Evaluates risk and operational impacts and obtains appropriate approvals before implementing changes.

Composure: Responds constructively to concerns and maintains focus under pressure.

Business Acumen: Aligns improvement priorities with customer needs, site objectives, and financial goals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PPE REQUIRED:

• Work is performed in office and manufacturing environments. Responsibilities include observing production processes, interacting with employees across shifts, facilitating training and supporting improvement activities.
• This position requires computer use, participation in meetings and training, and access to manufacturing areas to observe processes and support improvement activities.

• Exposure to various chemicals 1/3 or more of the time.
• Work near moving mechanical parts 1/3 and more of the time.
• PPE is required on specific jobs and when PPE is required.

• Travel 25-30%

Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation

KDC/One Northern Labs provides equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and provides reasonable accommodations as required by law. Applicants or employees who need accommodation should contact Human Resources.