Regional Continuous Improvement Manager

Bodycote plc; Hebron Estates (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Bodycote plc in Hebron, Kentucky is seeking a Regional Continuous Improvement Manager to drive operational excellence across manufacturing sites in the Mid‑West. You will lead Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, and cost-reduction efforts under the site General Manager, applying structured methods to boost productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

The role requires Lean/Six Sigma expertise, strong coaching skills, and a proven ability to mentor leaders while delivering sustainable gains.

Qualifications

• ITAR compliance: U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management or related field.
• 2–4 years lean experience or training.
• Six Sigma and/or Lean certification preferred.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and problem-solving tools.
• Proven lean management experience and coaching ability.
• Strong leadership and change-agent skills.
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead CI projects including Kaizen events aligned to targets.
• Drive Lean transformation to improve safety, quality, delivery and cost.
• Coach managers and staff in Lean daily practices.
• Develop and execute a Kaizen roadmap with KPIs.
• Conduct regular Gemba walks to identify improvements.
• Collaborate with CI Lead and site leadership to execute strategy.
• Ensure Standard Work, 5S, TPM, and other CI templates are used.
• Travel to multiple sites in the Mid-West region.

Skills

Lean principles

Six Sigma

Leadership

Change management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our people are the heart of our business. As the world’s largest provider of thermal processing services, Bodycote employs thousands of highly skilled staff around the globe, some of the best engineers, scientists, and technicians in the industry. Come join our team!

Due to the nature of our business and a heavy industrial market, Bodycote deems this position to be safety-sensitive.

Position Summary

The Regional Continuous Improvement Manager serves as champion and will drive operational excellence by leading initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency across manufacturing operations under the direction of the Hebron, Kentucky General Manager by applying structured methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis, the Continuous Improvement Manager ensures sustainable gains in performance, cost reduction, the elimination of waste and customer satisfaction, fueling long‑term growth and operational strength.

Essential Job Functions (Duties and Responsibilities)

The primary duties consist of, but are not limited to the following.

• Schedule, lead, facilitate, and manage Continuous Improvement projects including Kaizen events and aligned with the company’s strategic targets
• Lead the site/function’s Lean transformation with a focus on improvements to safety, quality, delivery and cost
• Train and coach managers and employees in the daily use and implementation of Lean principles
• Partner with function heads to build and maintain a culture of continuous operational improvement that permeates targeted areas of the company.
• Coach/develop site functional leaders and their staffs to identify, understand and implement lean manufacturing and growth best practices and achieve continuously improving levels of safety, quality, delivery, inventory, cost, innovation, and growth.
• Audit, monitor and sustain the health of the CI Lean culture by establishing and utilizing scoring systems, gap analysis, and Problem Solving to assess implemented processes and evaluate where further refinements are needed
• Partner with the corporate CI Lead and the facility or functional leader to develop and execute a kaizen roadmap and identify key metrics (KPIs) and lead projects to achieve goals in targeted areas
• Senior in Cultural Transformation
• Partner with the site management team and CI Lead to drive Strategy execution
• Ensure consistent application of CI practices, tools and templates (i.e.: Standard Work, Job Instruction, Daily Management, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen Road Map, SMED, TPM, Time Studies, etc.)
• Assist organization-wide kaizen efforts as needed.
• Perform regular Gemba walks including leadership and area personnel to evaluate improvement & development opportunities
• Evaluate current business practices, looking for ways to improve productivity, reduce costs, and make the best use of the business's resources.
• Performs other tasks as assigned or dictated by position
• This position is responsible for the care and treatment of our customer’s inventory and as such will perform duties in a safe and responsible manner to prevent customer loss or damage

Qualifications

• This position must satisfy ITAR compliance requirements, therefore candidates must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Resident Card Holders.
• Bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) or equivalent from a college or university in Engineering, Business Management or a comparable field
• Minimum 2‑4 years related Lean experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience with an emphasis in Lean or operational excellence
• Six Sigma and/or Lean experience or certification preferred
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing/Operational Excellence Principles, Problem Solving, 5 Why, Daily Management, 5S, SMED, TPM, Standard Work, Poke Yoke, etc. required
• Demonstrated lean management experience and results required
• Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, and coach required
• Strong leadership and change agent skills required
• Excellent team facilitation skills required
• Excellent experience and skills using Microsoft Office
• Must demonstrate the ability to read, write and communicate the English language

Physical & Mental Demands

• Able to travel regularly to multiple sites in the Mid‑West region.
• Must be able to work in a standing position for extended periods of time in an industrial environment.
• Ability to bend, pull, stoop and reach to perform functions
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
• May be exposed to heat, fumes, noise, and humidity, etc.
• Must have the cognitive and mental capacity to perform essential job functions
• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Visual acuity to read documents, computer screens, files, etc.
• Ability to hear in person and via phone

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and levels of the work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, the job description does not constitute a written or implied contract for employment. Bodycote reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Bodycote has a longstanding commitment to provide a safe, quality‑oriented, and productive work environment and for these reasons, all applicants in the United States who receive a conditional offer of employment must undergo a drug screen before employment begins.

Bodycote is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against current and prospective employees based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age for individuals over forty years of age, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.