Continuous Improvement Lead - Twin Town Job Minneapolis area,Minnesota USA,Manufacturing / Production

Position Overview

The Continuous Improvement Lead position is a hands-on champion for operational excellence and the driver of sustainable performance improvements across our manufacturing plant. This role will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive Continuous Improvement program, leading Lean initiatives, and partnering with teams at all levels to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and customer service. The role of this position is not to conduct projects to improve processes one-by-one, but rather to equip a facility full of subject matter experts with the systems and knowledge they need to improve everything we do.

The ideal candidate is a change agent who thrives on solving complex problems, developing people, and delivering measurable business results.

Position Overview

Responsibilities

Lead the initiative to develop a Continuous Improvement Core Elements Program across all applicable departments and operations, including:
- 6S Workplace Organization
  - Establish and maintain safe, organized, and efficient work environments.
- Managing for Daily Improvement (MDI) - Implement daily management systems that identify and resolve barriers preventing teams from achieving performance goals.
- Standard Work
  - Develop, document, implement, and train employees on standardized processes to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency.
- 8-Step Problem Solving
  - Facilitate structured root cause analysis and corrective action processes to eliminate recurring issues.
- Visual Management
  - Create visual systems and performance indicators that improve communication, transparency, and workflow effectiveness.
- Strategy Deployment
  - Align improvement initiatives and departmental objectives with divisional and organizational goals.
- Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) - Foster collaboration between production and maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability, performance, and uptime.
Deliver training and coaching to administrative, office, and plant employees on Continuous Improvement principles, tools, and methodologies while promoting a culture of systematic problem-solving and incremental improvement.
Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and cross-functional improvement initiatives, empowering employees to identify opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.
Partner with operational leaders to identify improvement opportunities, prioritize projects, and track measurable results.
Monitor key performance indicators and provide regular updates on project progress, outcomes, and business impact.
Champion a culture of employee engagement, accountability, and continuous learning throughout the organization.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree is required preferably in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Quality, or a related discipline preferred.
Proven ability to influence, lead, and collaborate across multiple functions while effectively managing competing priorities.
Strong facilitation, project management, problem-solving, and change management skills.
Demonstrated leadership capabilities with the ability to coach, develop, and motivate individuals and teams.
Knowledge of the corrugated packaging, paper, or manufacturing industry strongly preferred.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including…