Missouri - Continuous Improvement Manager

Date Posted: 10/19/2026

Location: Springfield, MO

Job Category: South Production

Salary Interval: Hourly

Pay Range: N/A

The Continuous Improvement Manager / Process Engineer is a hands-on role that is highly active on the shop floor, interacting with employees, teaching effective methods, and taking practical action to drive measurable improvement. This position creates and fosters a culture of continuous improvement by leading initiatives in safety, quality, efficiency, schedule attainment, and employee development at the Springfield, Missouri, facility. Depending on project-specific requirements, the role may also provide structural engineering support for capital projects.

The ideal candidate has experience in lean manufacturing and/or process engineering, along with an understanding of basic structural engineering practices at the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or structural designer level. This individual must be results-oriented, self-driven, and motivated by measurable achievements and sustainable improvements. Depending on the candidate and business needs, the position may evolve to support multiple facilities in different states.

Continuous Improvement Manager / Process Engineer

Department:
Production

Reports to:

Plant Manager

Location:

Springfield, MO

Shift: First shift work hours (flexibility required)

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Merrill Steel is a large-scale market leader in structural steel and heavy plate fabrication, with the capability to apply sophisticated paint and fireproofing coatings. The Merrill Steel organization encompasses engineering and design, drafting, manufacturing, coatings, and delivery through its own workforce and equipment. This integrated approach supports competitive pricing, on-time performance, and operational control. Manufacturing is completed at the company's production facilities in Schofield, Wisconsin, and Springfield, Missouri.

Merrill Steel employs approximately 440 nonunion employees.

Merrill Steel is a family-owned business founded in 1962 by Roger W. Hinner. The company has grown by serving structural steel needs across automotive, stadium and arena, airport, liquefied natural gas, power, hydroelectric, and industrial markets.

Integrity
- Demonstrates clear values, humility, accountability, and consistency. Does what is right whether or not others are watching.

• Work Ethic
  - Demonstrates persistence, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Maintains an active presence on the shop floor to understand operations and help employees achieve consistent results.
• Analytical Ability
  - Observes and evaluates complex information, identifies meaningful patterns, and develops effective daily, monthly, and long-term strategies.
• Decision-Making
  - Works collaboratively to gather relevant information and make sound decisions. Recognizes when immediate action is required and when additional information should be collected.
• Results Orientation
  - Connects people, processes, and systems to business results. Ensures actions are intentional and support both short-term gains and long-term success.
• Professionalism
  - Presents professionally, maintains a constructive attitude, and earns the confidence and trust of coworkers.
• Customer Focus
  - Responds conscientiously to customer schedules, priorities, and overall needs.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
  - Adapts to changing needs and leads others toward positive, sustainable improvements in people, processes, and systems.
• Continuous Improvement Minded – In order to remain competitive and gain market share, continuous improvement will be needed with the people, processes, and systems. This person must be adaptive and be able to lead others to inspire…