Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement Manager

Gradian is an engineering-led, full-line thermal solutions partner serving data center and other mission-critical, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Maple Grove, MN, with additional facilities across North America, we design and manufacture liquid cooling systems, air handling equipment, heat rejection units, and modular, factory-assembled thermal management solutions.

Position Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for partnering with operations and site leadership to deploy Lean and continuous improvement strategies that strengthen operational performance, reduce waste, improve process reliability, and enhance customer satisfaction. This role develops improvement capabilities across teams, facilitates problem-solving and Kaizen activities, supports standardized work, and helps sustain measurable performance gains in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads the deployment of continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process reliability, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Facilitate improvement events, performance dialogues, and hands-on training that reinforce continuous improvement tools and behaviors.
• Partners with operations leadership to identify improvement opportunities, develop action plans, and sustain performance gains.
• Conducts on-site observations to identify non-standard conditions, recommend corrective actions, and support operational problem-solving.
• Supports the development and maintenance of standardized work, operational procedures, and performance measures.
• Prepares reports and presentations summarizing improvements, operational trends, and cost savings.
• Benchmarks industry best practices and incorporates relevant methods into site operations.
• Accountable for the administration and execution of policies and procedures.
• Frequently interacts with subordinates, customers and peer groups at various management levels.
• Ability to lead change initiatives and drive process excellence.
• Facilitate and lead Kaizen event and define/set appropriate target for improvement and measure progress to targets.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Hires, trains, coaches, counsels, and evaluate performance of direct reports. Have a shared responsibility for both process improvement as well as operational performance with plant/functional manager.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations, including supporting or leading continuous improvement initiatives; or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement and process improvement methodologies.
• Skill in analyzing operational data to support decision-making and problem-solving.
• Ability to facilitate improvement events, on-site observations, and performance discussions.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage staff at all levels.
• Strong organization and project management skills with a commitment to execution and follow-through.
• Experience in HVAC or related manufacturing industries preferred.

Work Environment:

• Perform tasks primarily in an office environment with regular visits to manufacturing areas.
• Exposure to noise, temperature variations, and proximity to industrial equipment during site visits.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in production areas; adherence to all safety policies and procedures.
• Occasional travel to additional facilities or vendor locations, which may include overnight stays.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems, and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Frequent standing and walking during site visits in manufacturing areas.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally for job-related activities.
• Use of observation, analysis, and communication skills to support improvement initiatives.

Benefits:

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• G…