Continuous Improvement Leader

MW Components•Clear Lake Shores, TX

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Leader drives operational excellence initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities by deploying Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and performance management methodologies. The role partners with Automation Engineers, General Managers, and site leadership to identify opportunities, reduce waste, increase productivity, improve quality, and enhance overall operational performance. As a change agent, the leader coaches employees and leaders in Lean principles and develops sustainable systems and processes that deliver measurable results. The position requires extensive travel and strong facilitation, analytical, and leadership skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 7 years of manufacturing, operations, Lean, or continuous improvement experience.
Demonstrated success leading Lean transformation or operational excellence initiatives.
Experience facilitating Kaizen events and process improvement projects.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, labor productivity, quality systems, and operational metrics.
Experience working directly with plant leadership and cross-functional teams.
Ability to travel extensively to support multiple manufacturing locations.
Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
Excellent facilitation and workshop leadership skills.
Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Ability to lead organizational change and influence without direct authority.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
Business acumen to connect operational improvements to financial results.
Effective project management and prioritization skills.
Ability to coach leaders and frontline teams through process and cultural transformation.
Experience developing and implementing sustainable operating systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Power BI, and data analysis tools.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma certification; Green Belt is required and Black Belt is preferred, as stated in the Desired qualifications.
Experience in multi-site manufacturing environments.
Experience supporting automation.
Experience implementing operational management systems and KPI scorecards.
Prior leadership or management experience.

Responsibilities

Partner with General Managers and site leadership teams to assess operational performance and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, process improvement workshops, and problem-solving activities.
Work with Automation Engineers to identify process improvement and automation opportunities that improve productivity and reduce labor content.
Support the development and execution of site-specific operational improvement roadmaps.
Standardize best practices, work methods, and operational processes across facilities.
Analyze operational data and KPIs to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
Coach and mentor plant leadership teams on Lean principles, problem-solving methods, and continuous improvement tools.
Implement and sustain Lean systems such as 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, and Kaizen.
Establish measurable improvement targets and track project results.
Lead cross-functional teams in improvement projects and ensure gains are sustained.
Promote accountability, employee engagement, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Support integration and replication of successful improvements across multiple locations.
Ensure improvement initiatives align with safety, quality, and operational objectives.
Prepare and present progress updates, project results, and performance metrics to senior leadership.