Sr. Manager, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

Cleaver-Brooks, Inc.; Thomasville (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent manufacturing firm located in Thomasville, GA is seeking a Sr. Manager for Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence. This role involves leading enterprise-level initiatives aimed at driving transformational improvements, applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and engaging stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, extensive experience in operational excellence, and strong coaching abilities.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Cash matching 401(k) plan

Employee assistance program

Tuition assistance

Paid time off and holidays

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in operational excellence or business transformation.
• Experience leading enterprise-level CI initiatives.
• Exceptional facilitation and coaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale transformation initiatives focusing on quality and cost.
• Champion Lean and Continuous Improvement practices across the organization.
• Develop training programs to enhance continuous improvement knowledge.

Skills

Lean expertise

Six Sigma knowledge

Coaching skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Operations

Tools

A3 problem-solving tools

Data analysis software

Job description

Sr. Manager, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

Job Category: Engineering

Requisition Number: SRMAN004940

• Posted: October 2, 2025
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Job Location: Thomasville, GA

Essential functions:

This position within Cleaver-Brooks reports to the Director of Strategic Operations. The primary responsibility of this position is to play a critical leadership role in driving transformational improvements across Cleaver-Brooks’ operations with primary focus on our largest manufacturing facility in Thomasville, GA. This position is responsible for leading enterprise-level operational excellence initiatives by applying advanced problem-solving methodologies and delivering strategic, high-impact outcomes across functions.

• Lead large-scale, cross-functional transformation initiatives with a focus on improving quality, cost, delivery, and scalability.
• Translate business strategy into executable improvement roadmaps, leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, problem solving, and data-driven approaches.
• Solve enterprise-wide challenges by partnering with stakeholders to identify opportunities, uncover root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.

Lean and Continuous Improvement Strategy:

• Champion the development and deployment of Lean and CI practices across Cleaver-Brooks’ operating model.
• Coach and mentor business leaders, functional teams, and shop floor associates on CI tools and behaviors to drive a culture of operational excellence.
• Identify and implement standard work, KPIs, visual management, and governance processes that support continuous learning and accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Leadership:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and operational teams, enabling transformation through facilitation, coaching, and strategic insight.
• Lead workshops, kaizen events, and value stream mapping to support team alignment and problem solving.
• Act as a key voice for change, helping to engage and align teams around transformation goals and performance metrics.

Capability Building & Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop training and capability-building programs that grow continuous improvement knowledge across the organization.
• Drive the evolution of Cleaver-Brooks’ OE/CI methodology, tools, and templates in collaboration with the broader Strategy & Transformation team.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Strategic Operations

Education: Bachelor’s degree (BS) from four-year college or university in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operational excellence, business transformation, or related disciplines; candidates with slightly less experience may be considered if they demonstrate exceptional strength in other required qualifications.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-level CI initiatives in complex, regulated environments.
• Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem solving (e.g., A3, 5 Why).
• Exceptional facilitation and coaching skills with the ability to influence and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Preferred Experience:

• Advanced degree (MBA, MEng) or certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt.
• Experience in Automotive, Heavy Industrial, or similar industries.
• Familiarity with digital transformation, process automation, or technology-enabled optimization.

Physical Skill & Effort:

• Ability to work in a standard office environment with extended periods of computer use.
• Ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to physically navigate and spend extended periods on the plant floor within a manufacturing environment in order to facilitate Continuous Improvement Initiatives.
• Up to 15% travel can be expected, including visits to other Cleaver-Brooks sites to support initiatives, attend meetings, and collaborate with cross-functional teams; travel may involve overnight stays and occasional international trips as required.

Benefits of Being a Cleaver-Brooks Employee:

• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, maternity support program, discounted virtual physician visits, voluntary medical benefits (Critical Illness, Hospital Care, and Accidental Injury), FSA, HSA, life insurance, short term and long-term disability
• Cash matching 401(k) plan
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Employee discount program
• Tuition assistance
• Paid time off and 11 paid holidays

Cleaver-Brooks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.