Continuous Improvement Manager

ITW • Chicago Heights, IL

108d • $98,000 - $125,000

About The Position

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Continuous Improvement Manager to join our site leadership team. This role plays a pivotal part in driving operational performance, enhancing product quality, and supporting safety and environmental compliance. This is a highly visible, strategic position that will shape the site's continuous improvement culture, develop talent, and lead high-impact initiatives. Working within ITW's proprietary operating framework and division-specific improvement strategies, this leader will evaluate current processes, identify opportunities for performance enhancement, and build sustainable systems that drive operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Safety, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, or quality leadership.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver sustainable process improvements.
• Knowledge of quality systems, regulatory requirements, and practical risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives aligned with ITW's proprietary business model and toolbox.
• Lead and facilitate structured improvement projects that deliver measurable gains in efficiency, reliability, and cost.
• Collaborate with R&D on new product development and customer backed innovation.
• Lead operational efforts within our stage gate framework, including development of control plans and FMEAs for new products.
• Develop and execute a site-level roadmap for continuous improvement, aligned with plant goals and priorities.
• Partner with the Operations Manager and site leadership to align improvement efforts with strategic business objectives.
• Coach and support teams at all levels to foster problem-solving capability, accountability, and innovation.
• Track progress through relevant KPIs and ensure clear visibility to results.
• Provide daily leadership to the site Quality Team to maintain and improve product and process standards.
• Support robust quality systems through audits, corrective actions, and continuous feedback loops with cross-functional teams.
• Serve as a quality advocate during customer audits and interface with internal and external stakeholders on quality performance.
• Help embed a culture of quality ownership and continuous learning across the site.
• Collaborate with site leaders to improve safety awareness, behavior, and performance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations (OSHA, EPA, etc.).
• Lead or support safety initiatives including risk assessments, incident investigations, and improvement planning.
• Contribute to the development of site-specific safety training and systems to ensure ongoing compliance and engagement.
• Build and develop a strong pipeline of future leaders within the CI, Quality and Maintenance teams through coaching, mentorship, and training.
• Support employee engagement efforts by promoting a culture of inclusion, continuous learning, and frontline empowerment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Machinery Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree