Continuous Improvement Manager; Hybrid

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence across the US operation by identifying inefficiencies, implementing process improvements, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. This role leverages Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve quality. A central responsibility is owning the site productivity and KPI tracking, driving delegated improvement initiatives through to measurable completion, and coordinating financial-gains reporting to Group and key customers.

This is a hands‑on, execution‑focused role that turns strategy and commitments into closed, verifiable results.

• Ensure site continuous improvement initiatives aligned with company goals and objectives
• Develop and monitor site roadmap on Flakt Execution System (FES)
• Align site Continuous Improvement Strategy with site Industrialization Plan
• Ensure consistent execution of manufacturing standards, KPIs, and best practices.
• Own and maintain the site productivity tracker, including monthly financial and KPI reporting, with clear problem definition, actions with owners and timing, milestones, and prior‑year comparison.
• Lead local Hoshin Kanri (policy deployment) against defined targets and apply the established Group NPI / technology‑gate process rather than creating parallel processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Analyze current workflows, identify bottlenecks and solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Implement the FES Pillars, Standards and tools for the manufacturing process
• Drive delegated improvement initiatives through to measurable completion; run standing owner review meetings, hold owners accountable to commitments, and elevate stalled items promptly.
• Coordinate financial gains reporting to Group and key customers, including monthly savings tracking, return‑on‑assets reporting by plant, and process maps in the required customer format.

• Conduct workshops and mentor employees at all levels on CI methodologies and tools.
• Facilitate smooth implementation of changes and ensure sustainability of improvements.
• Promote a mindset of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Build and sustain a Lean culture through training, coaching, and leadership engagement.
• Convert Green Belt and Black Belt training into mentored, live improvement projects that deliver verifiable results.
• Lead cross‑functional teams using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other CI tools.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Plant Management.
• Foster a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, innovation, and results.
• Support plant layout, capacity, and automation projects with data‑driven analysis and benchmarking against Group and best‑in‑class plant standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in process improvement or operations management.
• Demonstrated ability to drive delegated actions to closure and hold cross‑functional owners accountable to commitments and deadlines.
• Certification in Lean or Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred) a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Deep understanding of Lean tools (Kaizen, VSM, SMED, TPM, etc.) and change management.
• HVAC or similar complex manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to roll up sleeves and engage in daily operations while also driving strategic frameworks.
• A self‑starter with a "builder" mindset, capable of initiating and leading initiatives proactively rather than merely responding to developments.

• A structured yet agile approach to navigating a fast‑paced, complex organization while maintaining direction and execution speed.
• Strong persistence and conscientiousness in overcoming challenges and ensuring operational efficiency.
• Ability to effectively communicate and engage with cross‑functional teams globally, ensuring alignment and shared decision‑making.

• A solid grasp of how the Local organization operates, its functions, and its complexity.
• Ability to consolidate insights and provide clear, data‑driven outlooks that highlight risks and opportunities.

• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, with experience with ERP’s such as SAP, D365 or similar systems being a plus.
• Familiarity with reporting and data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI) to drive insights and continuous improvement.