CI Manager

Growing manufacturing company in the Bend-Redmond, OR area is seeking a
Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager serves as the primary strategic and tactical catalyst for operational excellence across all manufacturing operations. Reporting directly to plant leadership, this role is responsible for establishing a long-term CI roadmap while actively leading day-to-day shop-floor optimizations. Using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies, the CI Manager systematically eliminates waste, streamlines production workflows, improves throughput, and reduces operational expenses.

The ideal candidate will serve as a change agent—bridging the gap between high-level operational strategy and frontline execution—to ensure that process improvements deliver sustainable results across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale (SQDCM) metrics.

• Strategy & Execution: Build and execute a site-wide Lean roadmap; organize and facilitate Kaizen events, 5S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), SMED, and A3 problem-solving sessions.

• Shop-Floor Optimization: Partner with production teams to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce scrap/rework, eliminate bottlenecks, and enforce Standard Work and Visual Management.

• Metrics, Savings & Budget: Track site KPIs, lead daily Tiered Accountability meetings, and partner with Finance to quantify Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) and validate direct ROI on CI projects.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with EHS, Quality, and Maintenance to ensure process changes improve workplace safety, maintain compliance, and reduce unscheduled downtime.

• Culture & Training: Coach line operators, supervisors, and engineers in Lean tools to embed a sustainable, bottom-up problem-solving mindset across all operational shifts.

• Experience: 5+ years in a high-volume or complex manufacturing environment with a proven track record of quantifiable cost, throughput, and scrap improvements.

• Education &
  
  Certifications:
  
  B.S. in Engineering, Operations, or related technical field;
  Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt required.

• Technical Mastery: Deep hands‑on proficiency with VSM, 5S/Visual Factory, TPM, Root Cause Corrective Action (5-Whys, Fishbone, 8D), Kanban, and Setup Reduction (SMED).

• Systems & Data: Strong analytical skills with proficiency in ERP/MES software and statistical process control (SPC).

• Leadership Style: Hands‑on, floor-first leader who builds trust with shop‑floor operators while effectively presenting performance data to plant executives.

They offer a competitive compensation package that includes full health/wellness benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan, and equity options.