Continuous Improvement Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Continuous Improvement Managers focus on the implementation of business improvement projects that positively impact accuracy, waste reduction, and enhance business processes. Continuous Improvement Managers coordinate discovery, planning, and execution of projects in a variety of business environments. They drive change management activities to support adoption of new tools and processes, working closely with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment. Continuous Improvement Managers have strong project coordination skills, cross‑functional communication, and a solid understanding of techniques to improve business practices.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who enjoys working with people to understand and remove barriers to success. Frequent travel is required as projects may take place anywhere in the Northgate enterprise.

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Practices “Going to Gemba” by immersing self in the place where the work happens
• Maintains extreme approachability, practicing “go see,” “ask why,” and “show respect,” genuinely valuing the perspective of frontline associates
• Identifies continuous improvement opportunities in alignment with the company’s strategic goals
• Collaborates with leadership across operating areas to align and execute change management practices that reflect Northgate’s associate‑first culture
• Simplifies complexity by modifying processes and designing CI tools and materials
• Assembles cross‑functional project teams; uses discretion to check readiness and adjust roll‑out plans
• Exercises independent judgement, analyzes workflows and recommends strategic processes changes
• Directly supervises CI project resources including direct and indirect team members
• Sets targets, leads and supports projects, evaluating first‑cause opportunities to limit change
• Evaluates the performance of project team members and directs scheduling as appropriate
• Develops and publishes scorecard to ensure adoption and measure effectiveness
• Uses a range of methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean, 5s, and Kaizen to drive process improvements
• Develops strategies to embed Continuous Improvement as a cultural pillar at Northgate Markets
• Interacts with Service Support engineers to ensure best practices and benefits are captured
• Designs standard operating practices, training documents, and sustainability measurements

• College degree or equivalent work experience required
• Experience with implementation of projects requiring change management, preferably involving technology or advanced processes
• Continuous Improvement or direct leadership experience in retail, manufacturing, or supply chain roles
• Advanced degree, such as MBA, or four‑year degree with engineering focus preferred

• Valid Driver’s License
• Six Sigma, Lean Management, Toyota Production Systems, Project Management Professional, or similar certification (or willingness to obtain one shortly after assuming role)

• Inquisitive mindset, desire and ability to interact with frontline associates
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative, team‑oriented mindset
• Strong planning, risk management, and issue resolution capabilities
• Strong critical thinking and decision‑making skills
• Strong, demonstrated planning and personal time management skills
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point
• Strong interpersonal skills with managing conflict, influencing others, and change management
• Familiarity with return on investment, discounted cash flow analysis, and similar financial evaluation concepts preferred

$95,316 to $121,528

The physical demands and work conditions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Some requirements may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities:

• The employee must frequently walk, talk, or hear, and reach with the hands and arms; occasionally, the employee must crouch…