Continuous Improvement Plant Director

About the Organization:We are in the middle of a true operational transformation — moving from tribal knowledge and reactive processes to a disciplined, data-driven, standardized manufacturing environment. This is not “check-the-box Lean.” We are building systems, accountability, and a sustainable culture of continuous improvement. If you are hands-on, execution-focused, and motivated by measurable results, this is an opportunity to drive real change.Position Overview:The Continuous Improvement Plant Director will lead high-impact operational improvement initiatives across manufacturing. This role goes beyond analysis — you will implement solutions, train teams, standardize processes, and ensure improvements are sustained. High visibility role working cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain, with direct visibility to senior leadership.Responsibilities:Lead continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiativesIdentify and eliminate operational bottlenecks (quality escapes, rework, prep time, inefficient assembly, material flow issues, etc.)Lead Lean and Six Sigma (DMAIC) projects delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, and cycle timeDrive root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actionsConvert tribal knowledge into Standard Work, SOPs, and clear work instructions and help move the operation toward a paperless, analytics-driven environmentSupport development of scalable, repeatable processesDevelop and track KPIs (scrap, rework, downtime, OTD, cycle time)Analyze shop floor data and present actionable insights to leadershipMeasure and report savings in dollars, hours reduced, and risk mitigationSupport ERP improvements, system integrations and implement visual management tools and structured shop floor controlsImplement digital tools (Power BI, Excel, Power Automate, digital checklists)Deliver hands-on Lean/CI training to operators, leads, and supervisorsLead Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and cross-functional improvement workshopsReinforce accountability and continuous improvement mindset at all levelsRequirements:Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field7+ years of hands-on manufacturing engineering or continuous improvement experienceStrong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing (5S, VSM, SMED, Poka-Yoke, Visual Management) and Six Sigma (DMAIC, root cause analysis)Experience developing standard work, driving real improvements, measurable cost savings, cycle time reductions and shop floor digital toolsBilingual English/Spanish RequiredNice to Have:Six Sigma Black/Green Belt or Lean certificationBackground in Aerospace, heavy fabrication, or complex assembly preferredExperience leading ERP transitions, implementing MES and digital work instruction systemsKnowledge of ISO 9001 or AS9100 a Huge PlusDemonstrated track record of measurable operational improvementsSelf-starter who takes ownership, stands behind data-driven decisions, and thrives in a hands-on environment