Continuous Improvement Manager

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you. Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations. Let’s simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few.

Because why not do it all?

As an innovation leader, Gates is seeking an ambitious, forward-thinking, and collaborative Continuous Improvement Manager to join our team in Siloam Springs, AR.

The Continuous Improvement Manager drives a culture of operational excellence by leading Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall business performance. This role provides leadership to Engineering and Technical teams, overseeing defect reduction, throughput improvement, and process optimization projects under the Gates Production System (GPS). The position also leads capital planning and project execution while supporting manufacturing operations through tooling, equipment, and process improvements to achieve the facility’s long-term operational objectives.

• Lead and ensure compliance with Gates Production System (GPS) directives, including guiding engineering teams in the execution of Lean Six Sigma projects, maintaining current GPS documentation, and driving continuous improvement across all value streams.
• Partner with Corporate GPS leadership to establish performance metrics and documentation that effectively monitor and improve plant performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, safety, productivity, and operational performance by leading cross‑functional teams through root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions.
• Optimize equipment utilization and plant layout to support changing production requirements, improve workflow, and maximize operational efficiency.
• Lead capital improvement projects focused on process enhancements and increased internal and external customer satisfaction, including project research, justification, approvals, execution, and implementation.
• Develop and maintain business unit production capacity analyses, identifying gaps between current performance and True North objectives while leading initiatives to close those gaps.
• Champion root cause analysis and corrective action processes to eliminate recurring operational defects and reduce equipment downtime.
• Mentor and coach Engineering and Continuous Improvement teams to execute critical plant projects on time, within budget, and with sustainable results.
• Collaborate with Plant PDG/MDG teams and Corporate Engineering to develop innovative short‑ and long‑term manufacturing solutions that improve operational performance.
• Direct, prioritize, and develop a team of Process, Manufacturing, Industrial/Continuous Improvement, and Electrical Engineers, along with technical personnel, to achieve plant performance objectives.
• Provide daily leadership and direction to the engineering team while ensuring adherence to Gates Production System (GPS) standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field required.
• Minimum of 8 years of manufacturing experience; rubber manufacturing experience preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred.
• Experience with Minitab or other statistical analysis software.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement and change management initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, Solid Works, Inventor, Creo, or similar), equipment design, fabrication, and manufacturing process optimization.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage capital and operational excellence projects, delivering results on time and within budget.
• Strong knowledge of TPM, Poka‑Yoke (Mistake Proofing),…