Continuous Improvement Manager

Associated Materials•Cedar Rapids, IA

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Manager drives operational excellence across the manufacturing network using Lean, Six Sigma, and standardized work methodologies. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this role focuses on reducing waste, improving equipment performance and labor efficiency, and strengthening safety and quality results. The manager partners with Plant Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and HR to make manufacturing processes stable, repeatable, and continuously improving. The role calls for a strong shop-floor presence and the ability to turn Lean tools into practical solutions for frontline teams. The manager develops and deploys the plant’s Continuous Improvement strategy, aligns initiatives with plant KPIs, and champions disciplined, data-driven problem-solving. The role leads process optimization, Kaizen events, TPM support, root-cause analysis, employee training, project and KPI reporting, and change-management efforts. It also builds a culture that engages employees in identifying and sustaining improvements. Associated Materials Innovations (AMI) is a North American manufacturer of exterior building products, including vinyl windows, siding, and metal building products. AMI describes its work environment as welcoming and supportive, with a focus on safety and core values. The company states that it provides equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations as required by law. Compensation depends on job-related knowledge and skills, experience, business needs, location, and internal pay parity; further benefits information is available through a link in the posting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, or a related field.
5–10 years of CI, Lean, or Operations experience in a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated success leading plant-level Lean/CI initiatives with measurable results.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing principles.
Knowledge of statistical analysis and root-cause problem-solving.
Knowledge of standard work and process control.
Knowledge of ERP and MES systems.
Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools, including Excel, Power BI, and Minitab.
Strong shop-floor leadership presence and ability to motivate and influence without authority.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills across frontline employees, supervisors, engineers, and leadership.
Process-oriented approach, sense of urgency, and strong follow-through.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Additional technical training in TPM, SMED, or Kaizen facilitation.
Certifications in change management, project management (PMP), or similar fields.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and deployment of the Continuous Improvement strategy across the manufacturing plant.
Align CI initiatives with plant KPIs, including OEE, scrap, rework, throughput, changeover time, cost per unit, and labor utilization.
Champion Lean and operational excellence by modeling disciplined problem-solving and data-driven decision-making.
Partner with the Plant Manager and leadership team to prioritize high-impact projects that improve productivity, quality, and safety.
Conduct value stream mapping to identify bottlenecks, material-flow issues, and improvement opportunities.
Lead Kaizen events to reduce scrap and defects, minimize downtime and changeover duration, improve equipment reliability, and optimize labor balance and standard work.
Implement 5S and visual management systems on production lines.
Analyze production data, identify performance gaps, and develop corrective action plans.
Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to support TPM programs.
Identify root causes of downtime and implement countermeasures using methods such as 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and FMEA.
Support implementation of automation, ergonomic improvements, and other technologies that increase line efficiency.
Train operators, leads, supervisors, and engineers in Lean tools.
Mentor Green Belt and Yellow Belt project leaders and support their certification progress.
Work with HR and Operations leadership to integrate CI into onboarding, new-supervisor training, and ongoing plant development programs.
Define, measure, and report CI results, including OEE, scrap and material yield, cycle and lead times, labor productivity and utilization, and safety improvements.
Maintain a CI project portfolio, scorecard, and regular reporting cadence with plant leadership and corporate operations.
Lead change-management efforts to ensure new processes are adopted and sustained.
Coach supervisors and frontline leads to reinforce standard work and daily management practices.
Promote employee engagement and encourage operators to identify improvement ideas.