Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Title

Continuous Improvement Manager

Manufacturing

Plant Manager

Napoleon, OH

Full-Time

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and drive sustainable growth. This role involves analyzing business processes, implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

• Lead and manage cross‑functional continuous improvement projects.
• Analyze current business processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for enhancement.
• Develop and implement strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other methodologies.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of improvement initiatives using KPIs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of changes.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Maintain documentation and present progress reports to senior management.
• Utilize various tools (e.g., data analytics, root cause analysis, WAVE) to collect data and prioritize improvement projects that directly impact financial performance.
• Analyze downtime data to identify root causes and lead cross‑functional teams to implement sustainable solutions.
• Conduct regular project review meetings to ensure progress, accountability, and alignment with site goals.
• Facilitate and sustain 5S initiatives across all areas to drive workplace organization and efficiency.
• Lead Kaizen events to engage employees and capture actionable improvement ideas.
• Learn and apply Tenneco's Clean Sheet methodology; conduct workshops to identify cost‑saving and process optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with site leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute impactful improvement projects that support operational excellence.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in process improvement, operations, or quality management.
• Proven experience with Lean, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt certification preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency in project management tools and data analysis software.

• Proficient in analyzing Profit & Loss statements to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Skilled in establishing, measuring, and tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive operational performance.
• Strong follow‑up discipline to ensure timely implementation and completion of improvement projects.
• Confident in conducting difficult conversations to address project delays and remove roadblocks.
• Experienced in leading and delivering training sessions across various levels of the organization.
• Committed to fostering and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement.
• Highly motivated with a strong drive to achieve daily progress and measurable results.
• Organized and methodical with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Capable of preparing and presenting results and improvement initiatives to senior leadership.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.