Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Manager
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Starting Salary: $85,000/year (higher based on experience)
Position Overview
We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead process improvement initiatives across a manufacturing operation. This role works closely with operations and production leadership to reduce waste, improve efficiency, strengthen quality, and implement sustainable process improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and structured problem-solving methods.
The successful candidate will help build a culture where employees at all levels participate in identifying and solving operational challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Lead continuous improvement programs aligned with business and operational goals
Partner with manufacturing and operations teams to identify productivity, process, and cost-reduction opportunities
Facilitate Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and problem-solving activities
Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, and other CI methodologies
Evaluate workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement sustainable solutions
Work directly with production teams to introduce and maintain process improvements
Train, coach, and mentor employees on CI tools and practices
Develop communication plans that encourage participation and engagement
Establish and monitor KPIs to measure improvement results
Analyze operational data and use findings to guide decisions and action plans
Present project results, recommendations, and progress to plant and senior leadership
Improve labor efficiency through workflow optimization, process design, and capital investment opportunities
Support CI initiatives across multiple shifts as needed
Promote accountability, teamwork, innovation, safety, quality, and continuous learning
Ensure improvement activities support operational and customer requirements
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience considered
5+ years of experience leading or implementing continuous improvement programs in manufacturing
Experience in engineer-to-order, fabrication, industrial, or manufacturing environments preferred
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification strongly preferred
Proven success delivering measurable process and operational improvements
Strong knowledge of:
- Lean principles
- Value stream mapping
- Root cause analysis
- Kaizen facilitation
- Change management
- Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret operational data
- Strong leadership and cross-functional influence skills
- Excellent presentation, communication, facilitation, and training abilities
- Strong project management, organization, and time-management skills
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Self-motivated problem solver who can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and operational excellence
Work Requirements
Regularly walk and interact with teams on the manufacturing floor
Ability to stand, bend, and move throughout production areas
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
Willingness to support multiple shifts and work flexible hours when improvement projects require it
Comfortable working in both office and manufacturing environments
