Missouri - Continuous Improvement Manager

Merrill Steel; Springfield (MO); Presencial; USD 55.000 - 83.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Merrill Steel in Springfield, MO is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager / Process Engineer who will be highly active on the shop floor. You will lead initiatives to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and delivery, while developing employees and driving measurable improvements.

The role may involve structural engineering support on capital projects and could extend to other facilities as needed. The ideal candidate has lean manufacturing and/or process engineering experience, with an

Formación

• Experience with lean manufacturing and/or process engineering required or preferred.
• Basic knowledge of structural engineering practices.
• Experience with root-cause problem-solving methods preferred.
• Relevant manufacturing experience preferred.
• Engineering background with hands-on shop floor involvement.

Responsabilidades

• Create and foster a culture of continuous improvement on the shop floor.
• Provide guidance to plant leadership to improve safety, quality, efficiency, delivery, and employee development.
• Seek input from shop-floor employees when evaluating and resolving process-related problems.
• Identify sources of waste and develop practical solutions that reduce waste and maximize value-added activity.
• Maintain an active and visible presence in the plant.
• Analyze product flow and identify bottlenecks, quality concerns, and other barriers to efficiency.

Conocimientos

Lean manufacturing

Process engineering

Structural engineering basics

Root-cause problem solving

Manufacturing experience

Educación

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Descripción del empleo

Date Posted: 10/19/2026

Location: Springfield, MO

Job Category: South Production

Salary Interval: Hourly

Pay Range: N/A

Position Description

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement Manager / Process Engineer is a hands-on role that is highly active on the shop floor, interacting with employees, teaching effective methods, and taking practical action to drive measurable improvement. This position creates and fosters a culture of continuous improvement by leading initiatives in safety, quality, efficiency, schedule attainment, and employee development at the Springfield, Missouri, facility. Depending on project-specific requirements, the role may also provide structural engineering support for capital projects.

The ideal candidate has experience in lean manufacturing and/or process engineering, along with an understanding of basic structural engineering practices at the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or structural designer level. This individual must be results-oriented, self-driven, and motivated by measurable achievements and sustainable improvements. Depending on the candidate and business needs, the position may evolve to support multiple facilities in different states.

Position Requirements

Continuous Improvement Manager / Process Engineer

Department: Production

Reports to: Plant Manager

Location: Springfield, MO

Shift: First shift work hours (flexibility required)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Company Information

Merrill Steel is a large-scale market leader in structural steel and heavy plate fabrication, with the capability to apply sophisticated paint and fireproofing coatings. The Merrill Steel organization encompasses engineering and design, drafting, manufacturing, coatings, and delivery through its own workforce and equipment. This integrated approach supports competitive pricing, on-time performance, and operational control. Manufacturing is completed at the company's production facilities in Schofield, Wisconsin, and Springfield, Missouri. Merrill Steel employs approximately 440 nonunion employees.

Merrill Steel is a family-owned business founded in 1962 by Roger W. Hinner. The company has grown by serving structural steel needs across automotive, stadium and arena, airport, liquefied natural gas, power, hydroelectric, and industrial markets.

Personal Characteristics

Integrity - Demonstrates clear values, humility, accountability, and consistency. Does what is right whether or not others are watching.

• Work Ethic - Demonstrates persistence, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Maintains an active presence on the shop floor to understand operations and help employees achieve consistent results.
• Analytical Ability - Observes and evaluates complex information, identifies meaningful patterns, and develops effective daily, monthly, and long-term strategies.
• Decision-Making - Works collaboratively to gather relevant information and make sound decisions. Recognizes when immediate action is required and when additional information should be collected.
• Results Orientation - Connects people, processes, and systems to business results. Ensures actions are intentional and support both short-term gains and long-term success.
• Professionalism - Presents professionally, maintains a constructive attitude, and earns the confidence and trust of coworkers.
• Customer Focus - Responds conscientiously to customer schedules, priorities, and overall needs.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset - Adapts to changing needs and leads others toward positive, sustainable improvements in people, processes, and systems.
• Continuous Improvement Minded – In order to remain competitive and gain market share, continuous improvement will be needed with the people, processes, and systems. This person must be adaptive and be able to lead others to inspire positive change and improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance to plant leadership to improve safety, quality, efficiency, delivery, and employee development.
• Seek input from shop-floor employees when evaluating and resolving process-related problems.
• Identify sources of waste and develop practical solutions that reduce waste and maximize value-added activity.
• Maintain an active and visible presence in the plant.
• Analyze product flow and identify bottlenecks, quality concerns, and other barriers to efficiency.
• Initiate and support shop-floor management boards and other visual management tools that promote daily improvement.

Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or a related field required.
• Basic knowledge of structural engineering practices required.
• Knowledge of and experience with lean manufacturing and/or process engineering preferred.
• Relevant manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience with root-cause problem-solving methods preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Merrill Steel is committed to equal employment opportunities in all of its policies regarding:

RECRUITING BENEFITS

EMPLOYMENT HIRING TRAINING

PROMOTIONS LAYOFF & RECALL

COMPENSATION

The above policies are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, handicap, sex, marital status, sexual preference, or, except where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification. The company gives full consideration to the employment of disabled or handicapped persons for work they are qualified to do. Management pledges itself to support and sustain the beliefs and policies outlined in this statement.

The Company encourages initiative and leadership by individuals as the best means to carry out this policy. Violations of this policy will be met with appropriate action.

The Company works with selected agencies and groups to initiate and sustain this policy.

It is the responsibility of each member of management to give this policy full support. It is the duty of each employee to create a job environment conducive to this policy.

The Company considers all qualified minority group applications for all job categories. All sources of employment recruiting are advised of such. All employee job openings state that Merrill Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Where deemed necessary, the Company informs appropriate minority groups and women’s organizations in making the Company’s needs known.

Merrill Steel does not maintain or tolerate facilities that are segregated on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, handicap, sex, marital status, or sexual preference, except where sex is a bona fide qualification.