Sr Manager, Continuous Improvement IMED/Inframarginal

CSL • Kankakee, IL

19d • $138,000 - $163,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr Manager, Continuous Improvement leads execution of the continuous improvement (CI) strategy across manufacturing operations for a product family. The role governs Lean Six Sigma deployment, prioritizes CI projects, and leads complex strategic initiatives across unit operations to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost while aligning with business objectives. It also serves as a key contact for global improvement alignment related to the product family.

The position develops and coaches the CI team and builds broader site capability. It ensures CI methods, projects, and initiatives follow established project management and change management procedures and standards. The role is accountable for tracking, validating, and reporting financial benefits realized from CI initiatives. This is an on-site position five days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science.
• At least 7 years of experience in GxP-regulated manufacturing (pharma, biotech, or medical device), including manufacturing operations experience.
• 2–3 years of direct leadership experience.
• Knowledge of people change management methodologies.
• Knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas clearly across organizational levels.
• Ability to influence without direct authority by building alignment through expertise, data, and credibility.
• Ability to facilitate cross-functional teams neutrally, manage differing perspectives, and drive decisions and outcomes.
• Advanced analytical and structured problem-solving skills, including applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to complex challenges, statistical analysis, and data visualization.
• Results-oriented execution skills, including managing multiple priorities and driving measurable outcomes and accountability.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and decision-making skills in dynamic, matrixed environments.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to build cross-functional relationships and share best practices.
• Strong problem-solving skills, expertise in DMAIC, and ability to lead teams through complex problem-solving.
• Effective project and portfolio management skills, including managing a matrixed resource pool.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing finances and ability to develop business cases and assess financial project impact.
• People leadership and development capabilities, including providing direction in partnership with key stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.
• PMP or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of the site and manufacturing CI strategy in alignment with business priorities and operational goals.
• Translate strategic objectives into a prioritized CI portfolio across manufacturing operations.
• Ensure the CI roadmap delivers measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Oversee CI initiatives to support on-time delivery and achievement of targeted outcomes.
• Deliver sustainable, data-driven project outcomes that support long-term priorities.
• Track, validate, and report financial and non-financial benefits, including cost savings, productivity gains, and waste reduction, on an established and aligned cadence.
• Align CI initiatives with EHS to support safety culture, compliance expectations, and data outcomes.
• Collaborate with Operational Excellence to improve process capability, right-first-time performance, throughput, and cycle time while balancing efficiency with product quality, regulatory compliance, and patient safety.
• Lead, coach, and develop the CI team, including Lean Six Sigma practitioners.
• Build site-wide CI capability through training, mentoring, and embedding CI principles into daily operations.
• Promote continuous improvement, structured problem-solving, and accountability.
• Ensure CI methods and initiatives comply with project management and change management procedures and standards.
• Drive stakeholder engagement, communication, and adoption of change; identify, mitigate, and manage initiative risks.
• Build partnerships with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and EHS to deliver integrated improvements and establish meaningful goals and outcomes.
• Align CI initiatives with site programs such as Operational Excellence, Digital, and Quality Improvement efforts to optimize right-first-time opportunities.
• Establish and monitor CI metrics and KPIs to assess performance and maturity.
• Report progress, benefits, risks, and challenges regularly to site and senior leadership; use data and trend analysis to guide future CI priorities.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, development plans, and performance management.
• Collaborate with peers and leaders to establish succession plans and develop future leaders within Operational Services.
• Complete other duties and responsibilities assigned by senior management.

Benefits

• Total compensation may include incentive compensation and equity.
• CSL benefits are referenced; details are provided on the company benefits website but are not specified in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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