Director, Continuous Improvement

Apogee Enterprises, Inc. • Owatonna, MN

1d • $150,000 - $190,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Continuous Improvement (CI) is responsible for leading the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing operations. This role drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost through operational excellence, structured problem solving, and engineering-based solutions. Partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Safety, and HR, the Director will identify performance gaps, prioritize improvement initiatives, and build a culture of continuous improvement across manufacturing sites.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations with demonstrated success improving operational performance.
• Proven track record implementing and sustaining continuous improvement and operational excellence programs.
• Experience leading cultural transformation and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple levels of an organization.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologies.
• Demonstrated success leading Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects from concept through sustained results.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to drive results across all organizational levels.
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective coaching, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Results-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing facilities.
• Drive operational performance improvements in safety, quality, productivity, throughput, scrap reduction, and cost.
• Coach and develop leaders, engineers, and operators in continuous improvement practices, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute strategic improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives.
• Utilize Lean and operational excellence tools including Kaizen, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, TPM, SMED, flow optimization, standard work, and visual management.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure solutions are adopted, sustained, and embedded into daily operations.
• Track and communicate performance results, cost savings, and business impact of improvement initiatives.
• Develop and build a high-performing, promotable Continuous Improvement team.
• Provide expertise in manufacturing technologies, including automation, machine data collection, and AI-enabled solutions.
• Lead efforts to improve process capability, yield, machine utilization, throughput, and scrap reduction.
• Support new product introductions, equipment selection, and capital investment projects.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
• Incentive Plans
• 401(k) with employer contribution and match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Program
• Training and Career Progression

What This Job Offers

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