Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Manager

Qualdoc; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualdoc in Virginia Beach is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, optimize workflows, and strengthen safety and quality. You will lead Kaizen events, mentor teams, and collaborate with operations to deliver measurable gains in productivity and on-time delivery.

The role requires 5+ years in manufacturing CI, strong data analysis, and ability to influence across functions. Direct hire, on-site with competitive salary and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• At least 5 years of experience leading or implementing continuous improvement programs in manufacturing.
• Proven ability to lead improvement projects and achieve measurable operational results.
• Strong knowledge of Lean principles, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, Kaizen facilitation, and change management.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret operational data to guide decisions and action plans.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to influence teams across departments and organizational levels.
• Excellent communication, presentation, training, and facilitation skills.
• Strong project management, organization, and time management abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to workplace safety, quality, accountability, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage continuous improvement initiatives aligned with operational goals.
• Identify production bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Lead Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and root cause investigations.
• Apply Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, value stream mapping, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Analyze operational data and use findings to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Partner with manufacturing and operations leaders to improve workflows, labor efficiency, and production performance.
• Train, coach, and mentor employees on continuous improvement tools and best practices.
• Work hands-on with production teams to implement and sustain process changes.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure results.
• Present project progress, performance data, and recommendations to plant leadership and senior management.
• Develop communication strategies that encourage employee involvement and adoption of improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for workflow redesign and strategic capital investments.
• Support multiple shifts as needed to ensure improvements are implemented effectively.
• Ensure all initiatives support safety, product quality, and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Lean principles

Value stream mapping

Kaizen facilitation

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Presentation

Training & facilitation

Project management

Time management

Safety & quality

Cross-functional collaboration

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field

Lean Six Sigma certification (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Job Type: Direct Hire

Salary: Starting at $85,000/year, with higher compensation depending on experience

Position Summary

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to improve manufacturing performance, streamline workflows, reduce waste, and strengthen quality and safety. This leadership role works directly with production teams and operations leaders to implement Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and data-driven problem-solving methods.

The goal is to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, labor efficiency, cycle times, quality, safety, and on-time delivery while building a culture of accountability and ongoing improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage continuous improvement initiatives aligned with operational goals.


• Identify production bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and cost-reduction opportunities.


• Lead Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and root cause investigations.


• Apply Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, value stream mapping, and structured problem-solving techniques.


• Analyze operational data and use findings to implement sustainable process improvements.


• Partner with manufacturing and operations leaders to improve workflows, labor efficiency, and production performance.


• Train, coach, and mentor employees on continuous improvement tools and best practices.


• Work hands-on with production teams to implement and sustain process changes.


• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure results.


• Present project progress, performance data, and recommendations to plant leadership and senior management.


• Develop communication strategies that encourage employee involvement and adoption of improvement initiatives.


• Identify opportunities for workflow redesign and strategic capital investments.


• Support multiple shifts as needed to ensure improvements are implemented effectively.


• Ensure all initiatives support safety, product quality, and customer satisfaction.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.


• At least 5 years of experience leading or implementing continuous improvement programs in manufacturing.


• Proven ability to lead improvement projects and achieve measurable operational results.


• Strong knowledge of Lean principles, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, Kaizen facilitation, and change management.


• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret operational data to guide decisions and action plans.


• Strong leadership skills and the ability to influence teams across departments and organizational levels.


• Excellent communication, presentation, training, and facilitation skills.


• Strong project management, organization, and time management abilities.


• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.


• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.


• Commitment to workplace safety, quality, accountability, and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in engineer-to-order manufacturing, metal fabrication, or industrial operations.


• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or another continuous improvement certification.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

• Work in both office and manufacturing settings.


• Regularly walk the production floor and collaborate with manufacturing teams.


• Stand, bend, and move throughout production areas during assessments and improvement projects.


• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.


• Work flexible hours and support multiple shifts when needed.

Opportunity

Lead meaningful manufacturing improvements by helping teams work more efficiently, improve quality, reduce waste, and maintain safe, reliable operations.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.