Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Manager
Location: Grenada, MS

Position Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Continuous Improvement Manager to lead process optimization and operational excellence initiatives across our manufacturing plant specializing in chillers for data centers. This role is designed to sit independently atop the function, ensuring direct influence over all areas of manufacturing and enabling transformational change without being embedded within operations. The Continuous Improvement Manager will responsible for developing and executing strategies to improve efficiency, reduce wase, and enhance overall performance while fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

Continuous Improvement Strategy & Execution:

• Lead the deployment of the LMS ( Lean Management System) rooted in Daily Management, aligned and focused on 80/20 improvement driving accountability at all levels of the organization.
• Develop and drive a plant-wide continuous improvement roadmap that aligns with business goals and enhances operational efficiency.
• Responsible for the creation, maintenance and implementation of the Ideal state VSM ( Value Stream Map) and transformation plan for the site.
• Responsible for Customer TAKT requirements by identifying and implementing strategies to achieve the required capacity to meet the Customer schedules @ 98% or greater OTD. This is to be executed through the use of tools such as ( Material flow analysis | KANBAN |Line balancing | Sub Assembly | Scheduling boards | Daily Management ( Tier) | Kitting | Tugger Delivery | Standard Work ( Operators & Leaders) | Data availability and reporting ) to eliminate bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and waste in production, assembly, and supply chain operations.
• Develop and deploy the lead one, teach one philosophy in deployment of the CI acumen across the Data Center organization.
• Serve as the subject matter expert with respect to Lean practices and tools. Develop the playbook/matrix for the application of such tools.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce variability and improve product quality.
• Implement and oversee standard work processes, automation opportunities and best practices for sustainable improvements.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Change:

• Collaborate with leadership, operations, engineering, and supply chain teams to identify and prioritize improvement projects.
• Serve as change agent, ensuring that new processes are adopted and sustained across all levels of the organization.
• Train and mentor employees on continuous improvement methodologies, fostering an environment of innovation and accountability.
• Lead and facilities Kaizen events, workshops, and cross-functional problem-solving sessions to drive engagement and results.
• Performance Measurement & Data Driven Decision Making:
• Develop and build a Daily Management System to track key performance indicators (KPI's) to measure the success of improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data analytics, root cause analysis (RCA), and statistical process controls (SPC) to drive decision making continuous improvement efforts.
• Conduct regular (LPA) Layered Process Audits and assessments to ensure processed adherence and identify further improvement opportunities.

Efficiency & Cost Reduction:

• Lead cost-reduction initiatives through value stream mapping, cycle time reduction, and process reengineering.
• Optimize material flow, inventory management, and resource allocation to enhance throughput and reduce operational costs.
• Drive improvement in energy efficiency and sustainability within manufacturing operations.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing or operational excellence within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in Lean, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred), Kaizen, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, industrial engineering, and production systems-preferably in HVAC, refrigeration, or related items.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems, data analytics tools, and process automation technologies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and facilitation skills within a track record of driving cultural transformation and operational excellence.
• Ability to work cross-functionally an influence stakeholders at all events without direct authority.
• Proficiency in problem-solving tools such as FMAIC, MEA, SPC, and root cause analysis

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field (Master's degree preferred.