Manager, Operations - CI Leader

Manager, 80/20 Operations - CI Leader

Date:
Jun 23, 2026

Location:

Denver, CO, US, 80202

Company:
Gates Corporation

Our Mission At Gates Corporation, we're driven by a simple but powerful purpose: to advance the way the world moves. From powering critical industrial applications to enabling cleaner, more efficient mobility, our products and solutions keep industries, communities, and economies moving forward. We believe in innovation with purpose, operational excellence, and empowering our people to make a measurable impact. The 80/20 principle is at the heart of how we focus—identifying the 20% of products, customers, and processes that deliver 80% of our value, and optimizing them for maximum efficiency and growth.

The Impact You'll Make As our 80/20 Continuous Improvement Leader, you will be the catalyst for operational transformation. You'll champion the 80/20 methodology to streamline workflows, optimize product lines, and align resources where they matter most. Your work will directly improve productivity, reduce lead times, and enhance profitability—while fostering a culture where every team member feels ownership of improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Lead the development and execution of our 80/20 operational strategy across manufacturing lines, focusing on high-impact products and processes. Partner with plant leadership to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities using data-driven analysis. Facilitate Kaizen events, root cause analyses, and cross-functional workshops to drive measurable results. Standardize best practices across shifts and facilities to ensure consistency and scalability.

Implement visual management systems and performance dashboards to track KPIs in real time. Mentor and coach supervisors, engineers, and operators on Lean, Six Sigma, and 80/20 principles. Collaborate with supply chain, quality, and engineering teams to reduce complexity and improve throughput.

Keys to Success Requires in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in own areas and knowledge of other areas Supervisory Responsibilities None Leads others to solve complex problems; uses analytical thinking, tools and judgement to identify innovative solutions Assists upper level management and staff as a technical specialist or advisor May lead teams or projects with moderate resource requirements, risk, and/or complexity Requirements and Preferred Skills Proven experience (5+ years) in manufacturing operations, with a strong track record in continuous improvement leadership.

Deep understanding of the 80/20 principle and its application in manufacturing environments. Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred). Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies. Exceptional facilitation and coaching skills—able to inspire change at all levels of the organization. Experience with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing analytics tools

PAY & BENEFITS Full-Time Pay Range: $120,000 - $135,000 Bonus Eligible Relocation is provided Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match Tuition Reimbursement

WHY GATES? Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin,…