Continuous Improvement Manager – Manufacturing

Qualdoc • Virginia Beach, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Manager improves manufacturing performance through process optimization, waste reduction, and data-driven problem-solving. Working directly with manufacturing and operations leaders, this role strengthens production workflows, increases labor efficiency, reduces costs, and improves quality, safety, and delivery performance. The position calls for analytical ability, hands-on manufacturing experience, and the ability to engage employees at all levels in lasting operational improvements.

The manager leads continuous improvement initiatives and works with production teams to identify inefficiencies, implement sustainable process changes, and reinforce standardized work. The role also coaches employees, monitors performance indicators, reports results to plant leadership and senior management, and supports projects across multiple shifts as needed. Work is divided between an office and an active manufacturing environment, including regular production-floor activity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• At least 5 years of experience implementing or leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to deliver measurable improvements in operational performance.
• Strong understanding of Lean principles, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, Kaizen facilitation, and change management.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret operational data to identify improvement opportunities and guide decisions.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, including the ability to influence teams across departments and organizational levels.
• Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and employee training skills.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management abilities.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
• Commitment to workplace safety, product quality, accountability, and operational excellence.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing, metal fabrication, industrial production, or similar operations.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or another relevant continuous improvement certification.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives and manufacturing priorities.
• Collaborate with operations and production leaders to identify inefficiencies, reduce operating costs, and increase productivity.
• Plan and lead Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and structured problem-solving activities.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, and related methodologies to improve processes and support data-based decisions.
• Evaluate workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement sustainable process improvements.
• Coach and train employees on continuous improvement practices, tools, and problem-solving techniques.
• Work with production teams to introduce process changes and reinforce standardized work practices.
• Develop communication and engagement strategies that encourage employee participation in improvement initiatives.
• Establish, monitor, and report KPIs to evaluate progress and measure results.
• Present project findings, performance updates, and improvement recommendations to plant leadership and senior management.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, innovation, and ongoing learning across the organization.
• Provide support across multiple shifts as needed to implement and maintain improvements.
• Improve labor efficiency through workflow redesign, process optimization, and evaluation of capital investment opportunities.
• Ensure improvement projects align with safety standards, quality expectations, and customer satisfaction goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager