Plant Continuous Improvement Manager

Modine Manufacturing Company; Grenada (MS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision

401k with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Modine Manufacturing Company seeks a strategic Continuous Improvement Manager to lead process optimization across a data center chillers plant. Independent leadership will drive Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to improve throughput, reduce waste, and elevate quality.

You will partner with operations, engineering, and supply chain to deploy a plant-wide CI roadmap and sustain gains. Ideal candidates hold an engineering degree and 5+ years in CI/Lean within manufacturing, with ERP/MES

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years in continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing or operational excellence in manufacturing.
• Proven Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen expertise.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, industrial engineering, and production systems (HVAC/refrigeration preferred).
• Experience with ERP/MES systems, data analytics tools, and process automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment of Lean Management System and Daily Management focused on 80/20 improvements.
• Develop a plant-wide CI roadmap aligning with business goals.
• Create and maintain Value Stream Mapping and transformation plans.
• Drive TAKT adherence to meet 98%+ on-time delivery.
• Lead Kaizen events and cross-functional problem solving.
• Train and mentor employees in CI methodologies.
• Oversee standard work, automation opportunities, and best practices.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Data analytics

Project leadership

Change management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Data analytics tools

Process automation

Job description

For more than 100 years, Modine has solved the toughest thermal management challenges for mission-critical applications. Our purpose of Engineering a Cleaner, Healthier World™ means we are always evolving our portfolio of technologies to provide the latest heating, cooling, and ventilation solutions. Through the hard work of more than 11,000 employees worldwide, our Climate Solutions and Performance Technologies segments advance our purpose with systems that improve air quality, reduce energy and water consumption, lower harmful emissions, enable cleaner running vehicles, and use environmentally friendly refrigerants. Modine is a global company headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin (U.S.), with operations in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. For more information about Modine, visit modine.com.

Position Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Continuous Improvement Manager to lead process optimization and operational excellence initiatives across our manufacturing plant specializing in chillers for data centers. This role is designed to sit independently atop the function, ensuring direct influence over all areas of manufacturing and enabling transformational change without being embedded within operations. The Continuous Improvement Manager will responsible for developing and executing strategies to improve efficiency, reduce wase, and enhance overall performance while fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement Strategy & Execution

• Lead the deployment of the LMS ( Lean Management System) rooted in Daily Management, aligned and focused on 80/20 improvement driving accountability at all levels of the organization.
• Develop and drive a plant-wide continuous improvement roadmap that aligns with business goals and enhances operational efficiency.
• Responsible for the creation, maintenance and implementation of the Ideal state VSM ( Value Stream Map) and transformation plan for the site.
• Responsible for Customer TAKT requirements by identifying and implementing strategies to achieve the required capacity to meet the Customer schedules @ 98% or greater OTD. This is to be executed through the use of tools such as ( Material flow analysis | KANBAN |Line balancing | Sub Assembly | Scheduling boards | Daily Management ( Tier) | Kitting | Tugger Delivery | Standard Work ( Operators & Leaders) | Data availability and reporting ) to eliminate bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and waste in production, assembly, and supply chain operations.
• Develop and deploy the lead one, teach one philosophy in deployment of the CI acumen across the Data Center organization.
• Serve as the subject matter expert with respect to Lean practices and tools. Develop the playbook/matrix for the application of such tools.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce variability and improve product quality.
• Implement and oversee standard work processes, automation opportunities and best practices for sustainable improvements.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Change

• Collaborate with leadership, operations, engineering, and supply chain teams to identify and prioritize improvement projects.
• Serve as change agent, ensuring that new processes are adopted and sustained across all levels of the organization.
• Train and mentor employees on continuous improvement methodologies, fostering an environment of innovation and accountability.
• Lead and facilities Kaizen events, workshops, and cross-functional problem-solving sessions to drive engagement and results.

Performance Measurement & Data Driven Decision Making

• Develop and build a Daily Management System to track key performance indicators (KPI’s) to measure the success of improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data analytics, root cause analysis (RCA), and statistical process controls (SPC) to drive decision making continuous improvement efforts.
• Conduct regular (LPA) Layered Process Audits and assessments to ensure processed adherence and identify further improvement opportunities.

Efficiency & Cost Reduction

• Lead cost-reduction initiatives through value stream mapping, cycle time reduction, and process reengineering.
• Optimize material flow, inventory management, and resource allocation to enhance throughput and reduce operational costs.
• Drive improvement in energy efficiency and sustainability within manufacturing operations.

Required Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing or operational excellence within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in Lean, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred), Kaizen, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, industrial engineering, and production systems—preferably in HVAC, refrigeration, or related items.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems, data analytics tools, and process automation technologies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and facilitation skills within a track record of driving cultural transformation and operational excellence.
• Ability to work cross-functionally an influence stakeholders at all events without direct authority.
• Proficiency in problem-solving tools such as FMAIC, MEA, SPC, and root cause analysis.
• 2+ years in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or a related role (experience in industrial HVAC, refrigeration, or data center cooling preferred).
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, experience with quality tools, and knowledge of ISO 9001
• Strong analytical mindset with experience using 8D, RCA, CAPA, Six Sigma, or Lean methodologies.
• Ability to work effectively with internal teams and external suppliers to resolve issues and drive improvements.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Willingness to travel to supplier locations as needed (domestic and international).

Why Choose Modine?

Health & Well-being

• Day One
  • Competitive health, dental & vision insurance coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program
• After 90 days of continuous employment
  • Maternity Leave (12 weeks at 100% pay)
  • 8 weeks of short term disability leave paid at 100%
  • 4 weeks of paid parental leave paid at 100%
  • Paternity Leave (4 weeks at 100% pay)

Financial Benefits

• 401k Retirement plan and company paid match
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Short Term Disability (company paid)
• Long Term Disability

Work-Life Balance

• Competitive time-off policies
• Tuition Reimbursement

To view full benefits information: MyModine Benefits

Modine is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Modine provides a competitive benefit package, which could include paid vacation, short term disability, 401(k), health, dental, vision, life insurance, flex spending benefits, tuition reimbursement, Health Savings Account and much more. Human Resources will provide more detail upon your hiring.