Continuous Improvement Manager – Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement Manager – Manufacturing

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $85,000/year, with higher compensation depending on experience

Position Summary

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to improve manufacturing performance through process optimization, waste reduction, and data-driven problem-solving. This role works directly with manufacturing and operations leaders to strengthen production workflows, increase labor efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality, safety, and delivery performance.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills with hands-on manufacturing experience and the ability to engage employees at all levels in lasting operational improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• • Design and manage continuous improvement initiatives that support business objectives and manufacturing priorities.

  • Collaborate with operations and production leaders to identify inefficiencies, reduce operating costs, and increase productivity.

  • Plan and lead Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and structured problem-solving activities.

  • Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, and related methodologies to improve processes and support data-based decisions.

  • Evaluate existing workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement sustainable process improvements.

  • Coach and train employees on continuous improvement practices, tools, and problem-solving techniques.

  • Work directly with production teams to introduce process changes and reinforce standardized work practices.

  • Develop communication and engagement strategies that encourage employees to participate in improvement initiatives.

  • Establish, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate progress and measure results.

  • Present project findings, performance updates, and improvement recommendations to plant leadership and senior management.

  • Promote accountability, collaboration, innovation, and ongoing learning across the organization.

  • Provide support across multiple shifts as needed to implement and maintain improvements.

  • Improve labor efficiency through workflow redesign, process optimization, and evaluation of capital investment opportunities.

  • Ensure improvement projects align with safety standards, quality expectations, and customer satisfaction goals.

Required Qualifications

• • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

  • At least 5 years of experience implementing or leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.

  • Proven ability to deliver measurable improvements in operational performance.

  • Strong understanding of Lean principles, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, Kaizen facilitation, and change management.

  • Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret operational data to identify improvement opportunities and guide decisions.

  • Strong leadership and collaboration skills, including the ability to influence teams across departments and organizational levels.

  • Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and employee training skills.

  • Strong project management, organizational, and time management abilities.

  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

  • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.

  • A proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.

  • Commitment to workplace safety, product quality, accountability, and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Experience in engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing, metal fabrication, industrial production, or similar operations.

  • Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or another relevant continuous improvement certification.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• • Regularly walk the production floor and work directly with manufacturing personnel.

  • Stand, bend, and move throughout production areas while evaluating processes and implementing improvements.

  • Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

  • Work flexible hours and support multiple shifts when improvement projects require it.

  • Divide work time between an office setting and an active manufacturing environment.

Why Join This Team?

Help shape more efficient, reliable, and quality-focused manufacturing operations. In this leadership role, you will have the opportunity to influence production performance, develop employees' problem-solving capabilities, and implement improvements that support the delivery of power-generation solutions for demanding data center applications.