Continuous Improvement Manager

Fiber Materials•Biddeford, ME

1d•Onsite

About The Position

FMI is seeking a Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to provide leadership in leading, developing, and sustaining a culture of operational excellence across the organization in alignment with AS9100 standards and internal/customer requirements. This role will drive process improvements, waste reduction, and performance optimization through structured methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Root Cause Analysis. The CI Manager will partner cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, engineering, supply chain, and leadership teams to enhance efficiency, product quality, and compliance while supporting strategic business objectives as well as training to applicable staff members.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Business or related field
5+ years of experience in manufacturing or aerospace environments
3+ years of experience leading continuous improvement initiatives
Experience working within an AS9100, ISO 9001 or equivalent quality management system
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (or equivalent)
Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies including, but not limited to Process Mapping, SIPOC, Cause & Effect Matrices, DFMEAs, PFMEAs, Control Plans & Gage R&R
In-depth understanding of AS9100 standards and quality management systems (QMS)
Proven ability to lead root cause analysis (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and implement sustainable solutions
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to interpret complex data
Excellent project management & organizational skills
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization
Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA or technical discipline)
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification (or equivalent)
Experience in aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing environments
Experience leading cross-functional teams and initiatives
Experience with ERP systems, Electronic QMS and manufacturing data systems
Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP, etc.)
Familiarity with visual management systems and digital dashboards
Change management experience in a manufacturing environment

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of the company’s continuous improvement strategy aligned with AS9100 requirements and organizational goals
Facilitate and coach teams at all levels of the organization in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen events, & problem-solving methodologies
Identify improvement opportunities through data analysis, process mapping, & performance metrics (KPIs)
Lead, schedule & facilitate CI initiatives, project & targeted events that align with business priorities
Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve systemic issues & prevent recurrence
Define procedures and guidelines that support Lean practices across the organization
Partner with Quality to ensure compliance with AS9100 standards, internal procedures, and customer/regulatory requirements
Develop and maintain standardized processes, work instructions, and visual management systems
Lead cross-functional improvement projects focused on safety, quality, delivery, & cost (SQDC)
Establish and monitor performance metrics to measure effectiveness of improvement initiatives
Support internal and external audits by ensuring processes are robust, documented, and consistently followed
Provide training and mentoring to employees at all levels on continuous improvement tools and methodologies
Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous learning throughout the organization
Collaborate with leadership to prioritize improvement initiatives aligned with strategic objectives
Be knowledgeable of and comply with all company policies, practices & standards