Manager, Continuous Improvement (18 Month Contract)

If you were the Manager, Continuous Improvement now, here are some of the core activities you would be doing:

• Develop and lead the Continuous Improvement (CI) department, supporting cross-functional projects and Lean Manufacturing & Distribution initiatives that align with business priorities.
• Communicate project status and priorities from initial briefing through to on-time delivery, ensuring alignment with company vision and strategic goals.
• Lead complex, cross-functional initiatives, keeping key stakeholders informed and actively engaged to drive sustainable change across manufacturing and distribution functions.
• Execute cost-reduction and efficiency initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies: train and mentor team members at all organizational levels.
• Coach and support operations managers and CI team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Drive a culture of ownership, safety, and continuous improvement across all levels of the facility.
• Shape and execute the operational excellence roadmap, integrating Lean Manufacturing principles and change management best practices.
• Coach plant leadership and Lean practitioners in the use of Lean tools and simplification methodologies to generate measurable business impact.
• Conduct value stream mapping and process reviews, identifying and leading improvement strategies to eliminate waste, enhance quality, and increase efficiency.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment on CI goals, timelines, and outcomes.
• Develop lean capabilities across all levels of the organization through training, coaching, and hands-on project support.
• Lead and mentor teams to translate business needs into action plans, establishing clear priorities, deliverables, and success metrics for project execution.

Here are some of the things you could be working on in the future:

• Driving continuous improvement best practices and discussions across supply chain
• Enabling transformational projects across manufacturing and distribution globally

Are you our next Manager, Continuous Improvement?

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, or similar
• At least 5 years’ experience working in manufacturing, distribution or operations role with proven project management skills At least 3 years of leadership experience Experienced in leading and coaching teams, with a focus on supporting team members’ growth and development in operations, maintenance, and quality
• Experience in the continuous improvement field within a manufacturing or industrial environment, driving cross-functional initiatives
• You have experience working for an apparel manufacturing company
• Active PMP designation from PMI, or PMP certification from an accredited school
• Experience using project/task management software (e.g., Asana, Basecamp, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet)
• You have experience with Agile project teams
• Certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt or Master Black Belt) preferred
• You understand advanced soft goods and hard goods manufacturing and tooling
• Excellent communication skills, capable of fostering buy-in and collaboration across the team
• Highly organized, process-driven, and comfortable working in a manufacturing environment
• Effective time management and organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Self-starter with strengths in problem solving
• Confidence in communicating and collaborating across a variety of cross-functional teams
• Proactive in identifying the root cause of issues and developing solutions
• Remain highly flexible and adaptable when faced with ambiguity
• Inspire breakthrough thinking and continuous improvement
• Seek the best (sometimes not the easiest) solutions, with an unwavering commitment to do what is right
• Your passion for your work is paralleled by your passion for getting outside and living it