Continuous Improvement Manager

Dover Corporation•Skokie, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager will lead initiatives to drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline across all manufacturing and support processes. This role partners with cross-functional teams leading strategic process improvement initiatives that enhance Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost performance. This position will champion lean principles and structured problem-solving techniques ensuring alignment between site-level improvement initiatives and broader regional operational excellence strategy. This is a highly visible role that relies on leadership and influence rather than direct supervisory responsibility. The role requires a hands-on leader who can both facilitate and execute improvement projects while building capability within the organization. The ideal candidate is passionate about transforming processes, optimizing operations, and using data-driven insights to deliver measurable results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of manufacturing experience with demonstrated continuous improvement leadership
Experience with project management tools and performance tracking systems
Experience with Microsoft Office and Project required

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills with the ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop actionable solutions
Proven ability to influence without authority and lead cross-functional teams to deliver results in a matrixed manufacturing environment. Ability to manage multiple changing priorities, set clear objectives, and drive accountability to meet deadlines and deliver measurable improvements while maintaining a strategic perspective
Excellent facilitation, coaching and communication skills with the ability to engage and motivate teams at all levels of the organization and external partners
Knowledge and experience with leading Lean Process Improvements
Lean certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) preferred
Demonstrated business acumen, communication skills, and relationship management
Hands on work ethic with results focus is required

Responsibilities

Develop, lead, and execute the continuous improvement strategy in alignment with business objectives, working closely with leadership and cross-functional teams.
Ensure strategies are aligned with operational and regional objectives
Identify, prioritize, and manage continuous improvement projects that deliver measurable results in operational impact to safety, quality, delivery, and cost while removing barriers to improve process flow
Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, root cause analyses, and other structured improvement activities to achieve targeted outcomes
Partners with all departments including Operations, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Sales and Finance to analyze processes, identify improvement opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress of continuous improvement activities and communicate results and recommendations to site leadership. Being a driver for Daily Visual Management
Monitor and improve key operational metrics that are linked to business goal results. Demonstrate results through performance measurement and analysis
Develop dashboards and performance tracking mechanisms to monitor site improvement progress and provide status updates on CI initiatives and activities
Lead training sessions and workshops to build site-wide capability in Lean and Six Sigma principles, driving engagement and accountability for continuous improvement at all levels
Serve as subject matter expert in Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving methodologies
Influence leaders and frontline employees to adopt continuous improvement principles to drive a culture of accountability, data-driven decision making, and waste elimination
Lead cross-functional improvement projects from concept through implementation and sustainment. Develop project charters, timelines, and measurable success criteria
Partner with Regional Operational Excellence leaders to deploy standardized tools, systems, and best practices
Conduct regular reviews and recommend updates and revisions to standard operating procedures, work instructions, and training materials to reflect process improvements
Support digital transformation and process automation initiatives where applicable
Ensure compliance with all quality regulations, standards and corporate policies including but not limited to ISO 9001:2015 and AAR M-1003 for assigned department
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions
medical, dental and vision insurance
wellness programs
health savings account, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
company paid short-term disability and long-term disability
company paid employee basic life and AD&D insurance
supplemental employee and dependent life insurance
optional accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance
adoption, surrogacy, and fertility benefits and assistance
commuter benefits
parental, military, jury duty, and bereavement leaves of absence
paid time off, including 10 paid holidays per calendar year
paid vacation days beginning at 120 hours annually
40 paid sick leave hours annually or as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws
tuition assistance is available
business travel services
employee discounts
an employee assistance program that includes company paid counseling sessions and legal services