Continuous Improvement Manager

Strongward•New Orleans, LA

2d•$92,000 - $125,000

About The Position

Strongward is a long-term disaster recovery organization dedicated to transforming disaster from tragedy to strength. We equip homeowners and communities with the capacity to emerge stronger than before, currently operating in eight states in the South with active rebuilding sites in New Orleans and communities across Florida. Our 'Safe Homes' program partners with disaster-impacted homeowners to rebuild homes and restore stability, while our 'Stronger Communities' program helps under-resourced communities build local capacity through training and consulting. Unlike organizations focused on the immediate aftermath, Strongward is built for the long aftermath, working in the silence after the cameras leave and staying until the work is done. This role integrates Toyota Production System (TPS) and Lean principles into Strongward’s disaster recovery, housing construction, and client service operations to improve quality, reduce waste, and shrink the time between disaster and recovery. The Continuous Improvement Manager drives operational efficiency, leads improvement initiatives, partners with cross-functional teams, and coaches staff on practical problem-solving methods that support organizational goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in operations, construction management, business, or a related field required.
Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in process optimization, Lean manufacturing, business operations, or continuous improvement.
Strong practical understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, value stream mapping, KPI development, change management, and operational performance improvement.
Strong analytical approach, communication, facilitation, and change leadership skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority and translate complex Lean concepts into clear, practical instructions for staff and volunteer teams.
Deep passion for disaster resilience, social impact, and optimizing limited resources to serve vulnerable communities faster.
Must meet applicable legal work authorization requirements.
Must successfully complete required background checks, including criminal history, National Sex Offender Registry, state, and FBI checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience driving Lean/TPS transformations in nonprofit, construction, or humanitarian settings preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess workflows, identify operational gaps, and design strategies to streamline and standardize work, reduce waste, improve quality, and strengthen service delivery.
Implement approved Lean/TPS practices in partnership with functional leaders and escalate decisions involving major policy changes, staffing impacts, or organization-wide operational shifts to the Chief Operating Officer.
Facilitate Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and problem-solving workshops with staff and managers to ensure solutions are adopted and sustained.
Provide project leadership, facilitation, coaching, and technical guidance to cross-functional teams; may direct project activities and assign improvement-related tasks.
Establish KPIs, evaluate process improvements, and report progress, risks, barriers, recommendations, and measurable outcomes to leadership.
Partner with department leaders to ensure improvements are adopted, sustained, and aligned with Strongward’s mission, operational priorities, and compliance expectations.
Coach and support staff at all levels on Lean tools, practical problem solving, standardized work, and continuous improvement practices.
Influence without direct authority and support managers and teams in applying new practices consistently across daily work.
Work across operations divisions and departments to identify challenges, implement scalable solutions, and support faster, more consistent recovery for disaster-impacted communities.
Identify cost-saving opportunities, support resource planning, recommend investments that improve efficiency, quality, safety, or service delivery, and monitor project-related expenses and resource use within approved parameters.
Perform other duties as assigned.