Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Manager
Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Manager
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Salary: Starting at $85,000/year, with higher compensation depending on experience
Position Summary
We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to improve manufacturing performance, streamline workflows, reduce waste, and strengthen quality and safety. This leadership role works directly with production teams and operations leaders to implement Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and data-driven problem-solving methods.
The goal is to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, labor efficiency, cycle times, quality, safety, and on-time delivery while building a culture of accountability and ongoing improvement.
Key Responsibilities
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Develop and manage continuous improvement initiatives aligned with operational goals.
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Identify production bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and cost-reduction opportunities.
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Lead Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and root cause investigations.
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Apply Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, value stream mapping, and structured problem-solving techniques.
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Analyze operational data and use findings to implement sustainable process improvements.
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Partner with manufacturing and operations leaders to improve workflows, labor efficiency, and production performance.
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Train, coach, and mentor employees on continuous improvement tools and best practices.
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Work hands-on with production teams to implement and sustain process changes.
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Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure results.
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Present project progress, performance data, and recommendations to plant leadership and senior management.
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Develop communication strategies that encourage employee involvement and adoption of improvement initiatives.
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Identify opportunities for workflow redesign and strategic capital investments.
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Support multiple shifts as needed to ensure improvements are implemented effectively.
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Ensure all initiatives support safety, product quality, and customer satisfaction.
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
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At least 5 years of experience leading or implementing continuous improvement programs in manufacturing.
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Proven ability to lead improvement projects and achieve measurable operational results.
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Strong knowledge of Lean principles, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, Kaizen facilitation, and change management.
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Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret operational data to guide decisions and action plans.
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Strong leadership skills and the ability to influence teams across departments and organizational levels.
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Excellent communication, presentation, training, and facilitation skills.
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Strong project management, organization, and time management abilities.
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Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
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Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
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Commitment to workplace safety, quality, accountability, and operational excellence.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience in engineer-to-order manufacturing, metal fabrication, or industrial operations.
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Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or another continuous improvement certification.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
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Work in both office and manufacturing settings.
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Regularly walk the production floor and collaborate with manufacturing teams.
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Stand, bend, and move throughout production areas during assessments and improvement projects.
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Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
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Work flexible hours and support multiple shifts when needed.
Opportunity
Lead meaningful manufacturing improvements by helping teams work more efficiently, improve quality, reduce waste, and maintain safe, reliable operations.
Skills
As published by lever · 10 questions · 8 written answers
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Portfolio URL, Qualdoc, LLC
Pick from a list (2)
- Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
- Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship for employment authorization?
Written answers (8)
- How many years of experience do you have leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment? Please describe the types of operations you've supported.
- Can you describe a Lean or Six Sigma project you led that resulted in measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, or efficiency?
- What continuous improvement tools and methodologies (such as Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, or Six Sigma) have you used, and how have you applied them?
- Tell us about a time you influenced production teams or leadership to adopt a process improvement. What challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?
- How do you use operational data and KPIs to identify improvement opportunities and measure the success of continuous improvement initiatives?
- When is your availability to start?
- Please provide your city, state and zip code
- Please provide your phone number and active email address