Position Summary The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations through the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles and Shingo-based operational practices. This role will drive a culture of continuous improvement, operational discipline, employee engagement, and sustainable performance improvement within a regulated manufacturing environment. The position partners closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, HR, EHS, and Site Leadership to improve operational performance, eliminate waste, optimize processes, and strengthen organizational capabilities. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong experience in manufacturing environments such as Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices, Consumer Products, or other highly regulated industries, preferably with exposure to the Shingo Model, Lean transformation, and cultural change initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and execute Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence initiatives across manufacturing operations.
Drive Lean Manufacturing and Shingo principles throughout the organization to strengthen operational culture and performance.
Facilitate Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and problem-solving sessions
Promote a culture focused on continuous improvement, accountability, operational discipline, and employee empowerment.
Identify operational inefficiencies and implement sustainable solutions to improve productivity, quality, and cost performance.
Utilize Lean tools and methodologies including Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, Standard Work, Visual Management, and Daily Management Systems.
Develop, monitor, and analyze KPIs related to productivity, OEE, scrap reduction, labor efficiency, lead time, and operational effectiveness.
Support leadership teams in driving behavioral and cultural transformation aligned with Operational Excellence principles.
Coach and mentor supervisors, managers, and employees on Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, HR, and EHS teams to support strategic business objectives.
Ensure compliance with FDA, GMP, ISO, and company regulatory standards.
Support cost reduction, process optimization, and operational scalability initiatives.
Lead change management efforts associated with operational transformation initiatives.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field required / Master’s Degree preferred
Minimum of 5–8 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing, or Manufacturing Operations
Experience within Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices, Consumer Products, Food Manufacturing, or other regulated manufacturing environments required
Proven experience leading Lean transformation and operational improvement initiatives with measurable business impact
Preferably experienced in organizations utilizing Shingo principles, Lean enterprise systems, or Operational Excellence frameworks
Lean Manufacturing
Shingo Model and Operational Excellence principles
Kaizen Facilitation
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
Root Cause Analysis
Daily Management Systems
Standard Work
Visual Management
Six Sigma methodologies preferred
KPI Management and Data Analytics
Change Management
Process Optimization
OEE and Productivity Improvement
Strong strategic and operational mindset
Hands-on leadership style with strong shop floor presence
Ability to influence and drive cultural transformation at all organizational levels
Strong facilitation, coaching, and communication skills
Results-oriented with strong accountability and execution focus
Strong collaboration and stakeholder management capabilities
Ability to lead through ambiguity and organizational change
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
Experience supporting Shingo journey or Operational Excellence cultural transformation initiatives
Experience in FDA-regulated or GMP manufacturing environments
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
Expected Impact
Strengthen Operational Excellence culture across manufacturing operations
Improve productivity, efficiency, quality, and operational performance
Reduce waste, process variation, and operational inefficiencies
Increase employee engagement and accountability through Lean and Shingo principles
Support sustainable business transformation and long-term operational capability building
Applicant Notices & Disclaimers
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At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 80000.00/Yearly.
