Director of Continuous Improvement

Cadrex Corporate • Agawam, MA

5d • $180,000 - $230,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Continuous Improvement is a senior leadership role responsible for developing and driving a culture of operational excellence within the manufacturing organization. This individual leads the implementation of Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency and quality. The Director collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement, develop strategies, and execute initiatives that align with the company’s strategic goals.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on continuous improvement preferred
• Proven track record of successfully implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence programs
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required; Master Black Belt is a plus
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus
• Deep understanding of Lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other process improvement tools
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team-building skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with proficiency in data analysis tools
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and drive change at all levels of the organization
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• Master’s degree is preferred

Nice To Haves

• Master Black Belt is a plus
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus
• Master’s degree is preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a company-wide continuous improvement strategy to enhance operational performance
• Align continuous improvement initiatives with organizational goals and business objectives
• Lead the implementation of Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to improve manufacturing processes and eliminate inefficiencies
• Drive initiatives to reduce waste, increase productivity, and improve product quality
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing continuous improvement team
• Train employees at all levels in Lean principles, Six Sigma tools, and other process improvement techniques
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence
• Oversee and manage multiple continuous improvement projects simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of improvement initiatives
• Partner with operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to identify opportunities for improvement and implement solutions
• Act as a change agent to promote collaboration and alignment across departments
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, measure progress, and drive decision-making
• Provide regular updates and reports to executive leadership on the status of improvement initiatives and their impact
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in manufacturing and process improvement
• Introduce innovative solutions to enhance operational excellence and maintain a competitive edge
• Ensure all improvement activities comply with safety, quality, and regulatory standards
• Promote a safe working environment through continuous risk assessments and process improvements

Benefits

• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Monthly remote work stipend (for remote employees who qualify)
• 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
• Education support program
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan for all full-time employees

What This Job Offers

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