Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement Manager

Location:

Rockford, IL. Base pay range: $100,000 – $120,000 per year.

Travel required:

20‑40%.

As a pioneering leader in advanced separation technologies, Komline has established a global reputation for engineering excellence. Through our combination of innovative design, cutting‑edge manufacturing capabilities, and decades of industry experience, we consistently deliver the highest quality equipment from our integrated manufacturing facilities. Serving our core markets of Water & Process, Agricultural & Renewables, and Industrials, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive separation solutions precisely tailored to our clients' requirements.

With a strong track record of strategic growth and acquisitions, Komline continues to expand its solution portfolio and technical capabilities while maintaining our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

The Continuous Improvement Manager will lead and drive Komline’s continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity. This role involves identifying opportunities for process improvements, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the entire organization. The Continuous Improvement Manager in addition to creating the foundational roadmap and execution of lean best practices (Kaizen), will educate and train team members through a mixed strategy of instruction and hands‑on best practices to drive immediate value execution, process mapping and Kaizen implementation.

• Facilitate Komline Business System (KBS) principles and processes across Komline.
• Partner with Business Unit (BU) leadership on standardized KBS Implementation, documentation, templates, and etc to align BUs in a standard approach to KBS.
• Coordinate with BUs on their progress in implementing KBS as the system scales and matures over short‑ and long‑term time frames to align with business needs.
• Train and develop team members ranging from senior leadership to shop floor associates on lean process by means of Kaizen and continuous improvement.
• Lead rollout of Policy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri, X Matrix, True North, etc) as the business system matures to achieve breakthroughs for long‑term strategy.
• Create sustainable and fit‑for‑purpose processes within Komline’s multi‑site, large equipment manufacturing environment; create buy‑in for lean manufacturing tools and culture.
• Lead central Kaizen funnel review and facilitate events on site. Assure effectiveness of Kaizens by accounting for proven sustainability of event results.
• Build a team of self‑sufficient continuous improvement leaders at key operational sites to drive daily best practices and waste reduction.
• Hands on use of lean tools, bowlers, problem solving, and action plans.
• Report and quantify the impact of KBS and Komline’s lean and continuous improvement program.

• Bachelor’s Degree in industrial engineering, supply chain, or a related field.
• At least five years previous experience in operations, supply chain, or continuous improvement.
• Knowledge and demonstration of Kaizen continuous improvement practices.
• Relevant certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and methodologies.
• Experience in problem‑solving and root cause analysis.
• Excellent analytical and decision‑making abilities.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with ability to influence both executives and shop floor associates.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to travel between 20‑40%.

Komline is an EEO Employer - M/F/Vets/Disabled.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing