Continuous Improvement Manager

Penmac is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager for South Hill, VASalary range based on qualification/experience: 90K-100K annualCI Manager

Job Description About the Role The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence and creating measurable value across a thermal engineered materials manufacturing site. This is a highly hands-on role that requires deep engagement with day-to-day operations, learning the manufacturing processes end-to-end, and identifying practical opportunities for improvement, throughput gains, and cost savings. The ideal candidate is a strong floor presence—someone who actively partners with operations, understands the process at a granular level, and leads sustainable change.

Key Responsibilities Partner with plant leadership to develop and execute a site-wide Continuous Improvement roadmap aligned with financial and operational goals

Become fully immersed in the manufacturing process to understand workflows, constraints, and improvement opportunities firsthand

Drive throughput and capacity improvements by identifying bottlenecks, optimizing workflows, and improving process reliability

Lead cross-functional teams using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies (DMAIC, A3, 8D)
Implement and sustain layered process audits (LPAs) to reinforce standards and drive accountability

Conduct regular Gemba walks to observe processes, engage teams, and identify real-time improvement opportunities

Identify inefficiencies and cost drivers, and implement sustainable corrective actions

Develop and maintain value stream maps to eliminate waste and improve flow Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are updated and standardized following process improvements

Support capital projects by ensuring operational efficiency and risk reduction are built into design and execution

Performance & Analytics Analyze production and performance data to identify trends, constraints, and root causes Translate CI initiatives into quantifiable cost savings, throughput gains, and operational improvements Track, validate, and report results of improvement initiatives

Culture & Leadership Maintain a strong and visible presence on the plant floor; lead by example Coach and develop employees at all levels in Lean tools and continuous improvement practices Facilitate Kaizen events and hands-on improvement workshops Foster a culture of accountability, standardization, and continuous improvement

Qualifications3–5+ years of on-site manufacturing experience, including leadership or management responsibility (required) Demonstrated success improving throughput, capacity, and operational performance Experience implementing LPAs, conducting Gemba walks, and driving standard work Strong problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills Ability to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels of the organization

Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (preferred, not required)

Experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies Background in industrial, materials, or process manufacturing environments

Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab, etc.)If interested, please apply online mac.comWhy Penmac We’re a 100% employee-owned company that puts people first. That means real opportunities, strong support, and benefits designed with you in mind.
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