Director, Continuous Improvement/Quality

Barry-Wehmiller•Flagstaff, AZ

12d

About The Position

Director of Continuous Improvement & Quality Machine Solutions – Global Manufacturing Operations Full-Time | Approx. 50% Travel (Domestic & International) Machine Solutions is a leading provider of specialized equipment used in the production of life-changing medical devices. As we continue to grow across multiple manufacturing sites worldwide, we are seeking a hands-on, high-impact Director of Continuous Improvement & Quality to elevate operational excellence and quality performance across our network. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives as both a strategic thinker and a player/coach—someone who can build structure where needed, optimize mature systems, and personally lead improvement efforts that deliver measurable results. The Director of Continuous Improvement & Quality is responsible for shaping and driving the company-wide CI and Quality strategy while directly supporting sites at varying levels of maturity. This leader will embed Lean and Six Sigma practices into daily operations, strengthen and harmonize Quality Management Systems (QMS), and build capability across a diverse global footprint. With limited dedicated CI resources at some locations, you won’t just guide the work—you’ll roll up your sleeves and lead key projects, mentor site teams, and ensure sustainable processes that improve cost, efficiency, throughput, and product quality. Several Machine Solutions sites maintain ISO 9001 certification, and select product lines are subject to FDA Class II requirements—making this a critical role in both operational excellence and compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (Master’s or MBA strongly preferred).
10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience with deep focus in Continuous Improvement and Quality.
Demonstrated success operating as a player/coach—balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt required; Master Black Belt highly preferred.
Proven experience implementing CI and QMS systems across multiple sites.
ISO 9001 experience required; exposure to FDA-regulated manufacturing (Class II or similar) strongly preferred.
Proficiency with ERP and data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Infor).
Exceptional communication, leadership, and influencing skills across all levels and functions.
Willingness to travel approximately 50% globally.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or MBA strongly preferred.
Master Black Belt highly preferred.
exposure to FDA-regulated manufacturing (Class II or similar) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a pragmatic CI and Quality strategy aligned with business objectives and the unique maturity of each site.
Serve as both a strategic leader and hands-on practitioner of Lean, Six Sigma, and quality methodologies.
Champion a culture of continuous improvement, discipline, and accountability across all levels of the organization.
Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Service teams to drive alignment and execution.
Work closely with site leaders to integrate CI and QMS priorities into operational plans, KPIs, and performance expectations.
Act as the primary CI resource for sites lacking dedicated support—personally leading kaizen events, value stream mapping, and process optimization.
Coach site leaders and emerging CI practitioners on Lean and Six Sigma tools to drive sustainable business results.
Standardize CI frameworks, visual management tools, and performance metrics across all manufacturing locations.
Manage a portfolio of improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, margin expansion, throughput optimization, and enhanced customer responsiveness.
Partner with Engineering to champion Design for Excellence (DfX)—including DFM, DFR, and cost-related design considerations.
Build organizational CI capability through structured training, mentoring, and certification programs (e.g., Green Belt).
Lead development, implementation, and continuous improvement of QMS processes in alignment with ISO 9001 and applicable FDA expectations.
Strengthen quality programs at sites with emerging or informal systems, ensuring consistency and network-wide reliability.
Oversee quality planning and risk management using FMEA, Control Plans, APQP, and related methodologies.
Coach teams on core quality tools including fishbone diagrams, SPC, root cause analysis, and corrective action methods.
Lead internal and supplier audits; support management reviews and ensure robust corrective and preventive action processes.
Monitor and report key Quality KPIs such as customer complaints, warranty claims, nonconformances, and audit performance—using insights to drive prioritization and action.
Partner with Engineering and Operations to embed quality into product design and every stage of the manufacturing process.
Lead and mentor a distributed CI and Quality team, developing talent at sites with varying capability levels.
Provide functional coaching and leadership to locations without formal CI or QA resources.
Drive network-wide adoption of best practices through standardized processes, shared tools, and common metrics.
Build organizational understanding of Lean and Quality principles to create a self-sustaining improvement culture.