Location: Andover (CDP), MA
Salary: $35.00 USD Hourly - $45.00 USD Hourly
Description: Continuous Improvement Leader
Job Title: Continuous Improvement Leader
Employment Type: Contract (6 Months)
Target Start Date: Mid-September 2026
Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Leader to drive operational excellence initiatives within a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for leading continuous improvement efforts across the entire value stream, from front-end processes through production and delivery. The successful candidate will partner with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to improve productivity, optimize operational performance, reduce waste, and support manufacturing excellence initiatives.
This position will serve as a key leader in Lean transformation efforts, Smart Factory deployment, productivity initiatives, and production system sustainability while fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Key ResponsibilitiesContinuous Improvement Leadership- Lead and execute the plant's continuous improvement strategy across operational and manufacturing processes.
- Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives to improve efficiency, quality, productivity, and overall business performance.
- Facilitate and lead Kaizen events while coaching teams on continuous improvement methodologies.
- Identify process improvement opportunities and develop action plans to achieve measurable results.
- Promote a culture of operational excellence and continuous learning throughout the facility.
Operational Excellence & Production Systems- Ensure sustainability and ongoing advancement of the plant's production system framework.
- Support implementation of manufacturing excellence principles and best practices.
- Drive adoption of Short Interval Management (SIM), visual management, material flow improvements, and standardized work practices.
- Lead value stream optimization efforts to reduce lead times and eliminate non-value-added activities.
- Develop and maintain current-state and future-state Value Stream Maps.
Productivity & Cost Savings- Develop annual productivity improvement plans and track execution against targets.
- Monitor and report labor productivity metrics using standard reporting tools and processes.
- Lead cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives throughout manufacturing operations.
- Partner with plant leadership to prioritize projects that improve performance and profitability.
- Track project results and ensure sustainability of implemented improvements.
Smart Factory & Strategic Initiatives- Lead deployment of Smart Factory solutions and digital manufacturing initiatives.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between plant operations and corporate continuous improvement teams.
- Support implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and automation solutions.
- Identify opportunities to leverage data and technology to drive operational performance improvements.
Change Management & Leadership- Influence and engage stakeholders at all organizational levels to support process improvements.
- Lead change management efforts associated with operational transformations.
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to achieve continuous improvement objectives.
- Coach and develop employees on Lean Manufacturing principles and problem-solving methodologies.
- Build organizational capability in manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement practices.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or a related field.
- 4+ years of experience working within a production system environment (Toyota Production System or similar manufacturing systems).
- Proven experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Extensive experience with Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies, including:
- 5S
- Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
- SMED
- Visual Management
- Kaizen
- Root Cause Analysis
- Waste Elimination
- Experience leading cost savings and productivity improvement projects.
- Experience within industrial manufacturing, mechanical assembly, and/or electrical assembly environments.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Experience with Agile methodologies and continuous improvement project execution.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Lean Six Sigma certification or related continuous improvement credentials.
- Experience implementing Smart Factory, Industry 4.0, or digital manufacturing initiatives.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and enterprise-wide improvement efforts.
- Strong understanding of change management principles and organizational transformation.
- Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority and drive sustainable results.
Key Competencies- Lean Manufacturing
- Operational Excellence
- Continuous Improvement
- Kaizen Facilitation
- Value Stream Mapping
- Production Systems
- Change Management
- Project Management
- Smart Manufacturing
- Productivity Improvement
- Cost Reduction
- Data Analysis
- Manufacturing Excellence
- Leadership & Team Development
Success MeasuresSuccess in this role will be measured by:
- Achievement of productivity and cost reduction targets.
- Successful execution of continuous improvement initiatives.
- Reduction in process waste and lead times.
- Sustainability of implemented improvements.
- Increased adoption of Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Successful deployment of Smart Factory initiatives.
- Employee engagement and capability development in operational excellence practices.
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