Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

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Essential functions:

This position within Cleaver-Brooks reports to the Director of Strategic Operations. The primary responsibility of this position is to play a critical leadership role in driving transformational improvements across Cleaver-Brooks’ operations with primary focus on our largest manufacturing facility in Thomasville, GA. This position is responsible for leading enterprise-level operational excellence initiatives by applying advanced problem‑solving methodologies and delivering strategic, high‑impact outcomes across functions.

• Lead large‑scale, cross‑functional transformation initiatives with a focus on improving quality, cost, delivery, and scalability.
• Translate business strategy into executable improvement roadmaps, leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, problem solving, and data‑driven approaches.
• Solve enterprise‑wide challenges by partnering with stakeholders to identify opportunities, uncover root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.

Lean and Continuous Improvement Strategy:

• Champion the development and deployment of Lean and CI practices across Cleaver-Brooks’ operating model.
• Coach and mentor business leaders, functional teams, and shop floor associates on CI tools and behaviors to drive a culture of operational excellence.
• Identify and implement standard work, KPIs, visual management, and governance processes that support continuous learning and accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Leadership:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and operational teams, enabling transformation through facilitation, coaching, and strategic insight.
• Lead workshops, kaizen events, and value stream mapping to support team alignment and problem solving.
• Act as a key voice for change, helping to engage and align teams around transformation goals and performance metrics.

Capability Building & Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop training and capability‑building programs that grow continuous improvement knowledge across the organization.
• Drive the evolution of Cleaver-Brooks’ OE/CI methodology, tools, and templates in collaboration with the broader Strategy & Transformation team.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Strategic Operations.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (BS) from four‑year college or university in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operational excellence, business transformation, or related disciplines; candidates with slightly less experience may be considered if they demonstrate exceptional strength in other required qualifications.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise‑level CI initiatives in complex, regulated environments.
• Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem solving (e.g., A3, 5 Why).
• Exceptional facilitation and coaching skills with the ability to influence and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Preferred Experience:

• Advanced degree (MBA, MEng) or certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt.
• Experience in Automotive, Heavy Industrial, or similar industries.
• Familiarity with digital transformation, process automation, or technology‑enabled optimization.

Physical Skill & Effort:

• Ability to work in a standard office environment with extended periods of computer use.
• Ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to physically navigate and spend extended periods on the plant floor within a manufacturing environment in order to facilitate Continuous Improvement Initiatives.
• Up to 15% travel can be expected, including visits to other Cleaver-Brooks sites to support initiatives, attend meetings, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams; travel may involve overnight stays and occasional international trips as required.

Benefits of…