Operational Director - Continuous Improvement

Zurn Elkay (Elkay Manufacturing); Freeport (IL); On-site; USD 154,406 - 212,308; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Matching 401(k) Contribution

Up to 3 weeks starting vacation

Annual Bonus Eligibility

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation is looking for an Operational Director - Continuous Improvement to lead operational excellence initiatives at their Lanark manufacturing plant. This role involves strategic leadership alongside hands-on implementation of Lean methodologies to enhance performance in various operational metrics.

The ideal candidate will possess 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience and a successful track record in driving a culture of continuous improvement. Competitive salary and benefits package included.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 5 years in continuous improvement.
• Proven track record implementing Lean methodologies and driving measurable operational improvement.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and plant performance systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence initiatives with strategic and hands-on implementation.
• Develop and execute a continuous improvement roadmap using Lean principles.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence through coaching and mentoring.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Manufacturing processes

Leadership

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)

Job description

Operational Director - Continuous Improvement

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation is a thriving, values-driven company focused on doing the right things. We're a fast growing, publicly traded company (NYSE: ZWS), with an enduring reputation for integrity, giving back, and providing an engaging, inclusive environment where careers flourish and grow.

Named by Newsweek as One of America's Most Responsible Companies and an Energage USA Top Workplace, at Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation, we never forget that our people are at the center of what makes us successful. They are the driving force behind our superior quality, product ingenuity, and exceptional customer experience. Our commitment to our people and their professional development is a recipe for success that has fueled our growth for over 100 years, as one of today's leading international suppliers of plumbing and water delivery solutions.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation employs over 2800 employees worldwide, working from 24 locations across the U.S., China, Canada, Dubai, and Mexico, with sales offices available around the globe. We hope you'll visit our website and learn more about Zurn Elkay at zurnelkay.com.

If you're ready to join a company where what you do makes a difference and you have pride in the work you are doing, talk to us about joining the Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation family!

Note: If you are a current employee, please navigate here to apply internally.

About the Role

The Operational Director - Continuous Improvement, reporting to the VP - Continuous Improvement, will lead operational excellence initiatives across Zurn Elkay Water Solutions' Drinking Water Lanark manufacturing plant. This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on implementation of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to drive performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and associate engagement. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in manufacturing operations leadership and a proven track record of embedding a culture of continuous improvement and sustainable results.

Key Focus Areas

• Develop and execute a site‑wide continuous improvement roadmap, integrating Lean principles and methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, VDM, 5S, TPM, SMED) into all levels of the organization.
• Partner closely with the Plant Manager and functional leaders to align daily execution with strategic business goals.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence through coaching, training, and mentoring of leaders and associates on Lean tools, problem‑solving, and waste elimination.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to improve production flow, increase equipment uptime, and optimize resource utilization.
• Lead major improvement initiatives and capital projects aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency, process standardization, and operational reliability.
• Serve as a key member of the Drinking Water Operations leadership team, sharing best practices and standardizing processes across multiple manufacturing sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a continuous improvement or operational excellence capacity.
• Proven track record implementing Lean methodologies and driving measurable operational improvement.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and plant performance systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, engage teams, and drive cultural change.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) preferred.

The compensation range(s) identified below are a good faith estimate of the salary expected to be paid as performed from these locations. Actual salaries may vary based on a variety of factors including but not limited to skillset, experience, education and training, and other relevant business and organizational factors.

Salary: $154,406 - $212,308

Total Rewards and Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance
• Matching 401(k) Contribution
• Health Savings Account
• Up to 3 weeks starting Vacation (may increase with tenure)
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Annual Bonus Eligibility
• Educational Reimbursement
• Matching Gift Program
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan - purchase company stock at a discount!

Third Party Agency: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Zurn Elkay, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran