Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement ManagerDirect Hire with Company BenefitsLocation: Rockford, IL areaSummaryTES Recruiting is partnering with a growing manufacturer seeking a hands-on Continuous Improvement Manager to build and sustain a Lean operating system across a complex custom equipment manufacturing environment.We are seeking a proven Lean leader who has successfully built Lean systems from the ground up, improved operational performance, and created sustainable cultures of accountability and continuous improvement. (Someone that has experience building a system is critical.)The successful candidate will work across engineering, scheduling, procurement, warehouse, fabrication, assembly, and leadership teams to improve on-time delivery, streamline operations, and establish world-class business processes.Duties and Responsibilities:Building and sustaining a Lean Business System across the organization.Improving on-time delivery through better planning, scheduling, kitting, material flow, and execution.Driving 5S, visual management, leader standard work, and daily accountability systems.Implementing cellular manufacturing and improving production flow.Streamlining the entire Order-to-Cash process.Leading Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement initiatives.Developing standard work, formal training systems, and problem-solving disciplines.Improving warehouse, stockroom, inventory, and material management processes.Partnering with engineering and operations teams to improve product flow from design release through final assembly.Building internal Lean capability by coaching leaders and developing Continuous Improvement champions.Strong knowledge of Lean and implementing lean principles: 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Daily Management Systems, Problem Solving, Material Flow, Cellular Manufacturing, Visual Management, Policy Deployment / Hoshin PlanningQualificationsBachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.7+ years of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence experience.Lean Six Sigma Black Belt strongly preferred; Master Black Belt a plus.Demonstrated success implementing Lean systems from the ground up.Experience leading Kaizen events and driving measurable operational improvements.Experience influencing change without direct authority.Experience working in engineer-to-order, custom equipment, project-based, or high-mix manufacturing environments highly preferred.Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is not someone who has simply worked within a mature Lean system. We are looking for a builder; someone who has entered challenging environments, established structure, developed teams, improved execution, and delivered measurable business results.This opportunity is ideal for a Continuous Improvement professional seeking a highly visible role with the opportunity to make a significant impact on operational performance and company growth.