Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Manager

Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Manager

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

Position Summary

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to improve manufacturing performance, streamline workflows, reduce waste, and strengthen quality and safety. This leadership role works directly with production teams and operations leaders to implement Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and data-driven problem-solving methods.

The goal is to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, labor efficiency, cycle times, quality, safety, and on-time delivery while building a culture of accountability and ongoing improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage continuous improvement initiatives aligned with operational goals.

• Identify production bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and cost-reduction opportunities.

• Lead Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and root cause investigations.

• Apply Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, value stream mapping, and structured problem-solving techniques.

• Analyze operational data and use findings to implement sustainable process improvements.

• Partner with manufacturing and operations leaders to improve workflows, labor efficiency, and production performance.

• Train, coach, and mentor employees on continuous improvement tools and best practices.

• Work hands-on with production teams to implement and sustain process changes.

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure results.

• Present project progress, performance data, and recommendations to plant leadership and senior management.

• Develop communication strategies that encourage employee involvement and adoption of improvement initiatives.

• Identify opportunities for workflow redesign and strategic capital investments.

• Support multiple shifts as needed to ensure improvements are implemented effectively.

• Ensure all initiatives support safety, product quality, and customer satisfaction.

Required Qualifications

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

At least 5 years of experience leading or implementing continuous improvement programs in manufacturing.

Proven ability to lead improvement projects and achieve measurable operational results.

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

Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret operational data to guide decisions and action plans.

Strong leadership skills and the ability to influence teams across departments and organizational levels.

Excellent communication, presentation, training, and facilitation skills.

Strong project management, organization, and time management abilities.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

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

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in engineer-to-order manufacturing, metal fabrication, or industrial operations.

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

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work in both office and manufacturing settings.

Regularly walk the production floor and collaborate with manufacturing teams.

Stand, bend, and move throughout production areas during assessments and improvement projects.

Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Work flexible hours and support multiple shifts when needed.

Opportunity

Lead meaningful manufacturing improvements by helping teams work more efficiently, improve quality, reduce waste, and maintain safe, reliable operations.