Senior Director, Continuous Improvement

Nortek Data Center Cooling; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) Plan with company contributions

Job summary

A leading HVAC company is seeking a Senior Director of Continuous Improvement to enhance operational excellence in engineering and manufacturing. This role involves driving efficiencies and implementing Lean methodologies across various operations. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in process improvement and a strong background in HVAC systems. The position requires exceptional leadership and communication skills as well as the ability to foster a culture of continuous learning. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in process improvement or manufacturing in HVAC.
• Proven success in leading Lean programs with measurable results.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems and process optimization tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a continuous improvement strategy.
• Lead Lean initiatives across engineering and manufacturing.
• Build and mentor a cross-functional continuous improvement team.

Skills

Process improvement

Lean manufacturing

Data analytics

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Master’s preferred

Tools

SAP

Autodesk

Bluebeam

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Nortek Data Center Cooling

Talent Acquisition at Nortek Data Center Cooling

Maximize your potential. Minimize your footprint.

At Nortek Data Center Cooling, we’re shaping the future by Creating a Better Tomorrow Every Day! We are a premier HVAC company offering energy efficient and sustainable products and solutions that exceed customer expectations through our employees’ commitment to quality, customer experience and operational excellence.

Nortek Data Center Cooling is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nortek Air Management and its divisions offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Our benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HAS and 401(k) Plan with company contributions. To apply, please visit our career site at www.nortekair.com/careers.

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Continuous Improvement (CI) drives operational excellence across engineering & manufacturing. This leader is responsible for developing and executing strategies that improve process efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. Through Lean and data-driven methodologies, the Senior Director fosters a culture of continuous improvement across all functions — from product design and production to installation, and service.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a continuous improvement strategy aligned with engineering, manufacturing, and service objectives.
• Partner with senior leadership to identify and prioritize key improvement initiatives impacting cost, quality, safety, and delivery performance.
• Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning throughout the organization.

Process & Performance Improvement

• Lead Lean initiatives across engineering design (Engineering Change Orders), PDM production workflows, supply chain management, and field service operations.
• Standardize best practices and optimize processes related to quoting, custom design, fabrication, and installation.
• Reduce cycle times and eliminate waste through process mapping, value stream analysis, and root cause problem-solving.
• Drive improvement in reliability, energy efficiency, and product quality through data analytics and structured problem-solving.

Team & Capability Development

• Build, mentor, and lead a cross-functional CI team supporting engineering, operations, and service departments.
• Coach managers and engineers on CI tools such as 5S, Kaizen, and A3 thinking.
• Provide training and resources to embed continuous improvement in daily operations and engineering workflows.

Performance Management & Reporting

• Establish KPIs and dashboards to measure operational performance, project efficiency, and quality outcomes.
• Report CI results, including cost savings, productivity gains, and process reliability improvements, to executive leadership.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s preferred).

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in process improvement, engineering operations, or manufacturing within HVAC, mechanical systems, or related industries.
• Proven success leading Lean programs that delivered measurable business results.
• Experience working with engineering design teams, fabrication shops, and field installation/service operations.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, mechanical design, and construction workflows.
• Expertise in Lean manufacturing, Kaizen events, and process optimization tools.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with ERP and project management systems (e.g., SAP, Autodesk, Bluebeam, or similar).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Reduction in rework, scrap, and delays in production throughout an engineered-to-order process
• Improved project delivery times and on-time completion rates
• Increased manufacturing and installation efficiency
• Measurable cost savings from process optimization initiatives
• Employee engagement and CI participation rates

Seniority Level: Director

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Function: Engineering, Strategy/Planning, and Project Management

Industries: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing; HVAC and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing