Director, Continuous Improvement

Viracon LLC Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG) is a leading provider of architectural building products and services, as well as high-performance coated materials used in a variety of applications. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, our portfolio of industry-leading products and services includes architectural glass, windows, curtain wall, storefront and entrance systems, integrated project management and installation services, and high-performance coatings that provide protection, innovative design, and enhanced performance.

To learn more about our company and brands, visit  On July 1, 2026, Apogee completed the acquisition of Kalwall Enterprises, a vertically integrated manufacturer of high-performance translucent day lighting solutions, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. Kalwall Enterprises is currently being integrated into the Architectural Glass segment in Apogee.

This position is based in Minnesota, with time spent at Viracon in Owatonna, MN and will be expected to travel to Kalwall Enterprises in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The Director of Continuous Improvement (CI) is responsible for leading the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing operations. This role drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost through operational excellence, structured problem solving, and engineering-based solutions. Partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Safety, and HR, the Director will identify performance gaps, prioritize improvement initiatives, and build a culture of continuous improvement across manufacturing sites.

• Lead implementation and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing facilities.
• Drive operational performance improvements in safety, quality, productivity, throughput, scrap reduction, and cost.
• Coach and develop leaders, engineers, and operators in continuous improvement practices, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute strategic improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives.
• Utilize Lean and operational excellence tools including Kaizen, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, TPM, SMED, flow optimization, standard work, and visual management.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure solutions are adopted, sustained, and embedded into daily operations.
• Track and communicate performance results, cost savings, and business impact of improvement initiatives.
• Develop and build a high-performing, promo table Continuous Improvement team.

Provide expertise in manufacturing technologies, including automation, machine data collection, and AI-enabled solutions. Lead efforts to improve process capability, yield, machine utilization, throughput, and scrap reduction. Support new product introductions, equipment selection, and capital investment projects.

Education Bachelor's degree required, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field is preferred.

Experience 10+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations with demonstrated success improving operational performance.

Proven track record implementing and sustaining continuous improvement and operational excellence programs.

Experience leading cultural transformation and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple levels of an organization.

Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologies.

Demonstrated success leading Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects from concept…