Continuous Improvement Manager

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Job Description:

Location: Ranjangaon Plant, Pune

Reports To: Plant Manager

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager drives operational excellence by leading and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing, supply chain, and business processes. The role focuses on identifying improvement opportunities, conducting data-driven analysis, and implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies to enhance productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.

This role works closely with frontline teams, supervisors, and leadership to implement sustainable process improvements that positively impact key business metrics such as productivity, lead time, cost, inventory, capacity, and operational performance.

The position requires strong analytical skills, hands-on improvement experience, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams to adopt continuous improvement practices.

Key Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead and support Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, including Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen projects.

• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, cost, delivery, and operational efficiency.

• Conduct process mapping, root cause analysis, and data-driven problem solving to eliminate waste and inefficiencies.

• Implement and sustain Daily Management systems and Tier-based performance management.

Project Management

• Develop CI project charters, improvement roadmaps, and implementation plans aligned with business strategy.

• Lead cross-functional teams to execute improvement initiatives.

• Track and report project savings and operational impact including cost reduction, productivity gains, and efficiency improvements.

• Support replication of best practices and successful CI projects across teams or sites.

Data Analysis & Process Optimization

• Perform complex analysis of operational processes, workflows, and performance data.

• Translate operational improvements into financial impact such as cost reduction, revenue improvement, margin improvement, and cash flow optimization.

• Analyze metrics including:

  • Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

  • Labor productivity

  • Lead time and turnaround time

  • Inventory levels

  • Backlog and capacity utilization

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with frontline employees, supervisors, functional leaders, and operations teams to drive improvement initiatives.

• Facilitate Kaizen workshops, problem-solving sessions, and improvement events.

• Provide guidance and coaching on CI tools, problem-solving methods, and operational excellence practices.

Change Management & Capability Building

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision making.

• Train and mentor employees in Lean, Six Sigma, and CI methodologies.

• Support development of Tier boards and daily performance management systems.

• Encourage employee participation in problem solving and improvement initiatives.

Communication & Reporting

• Communicate CI project progress and results through CI dashboards and leadership reviews.

• Provide recommendations to leadership on improvement strategies and operational performance.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

• Master’s degree or relevant certification (Lean / Six Sigma) is preferred.

Experience

• 8–10 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain, or Operational Excellence roles.

• Hands-on experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or operational excellence frameworks.

Key Skills

• Continuous Improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen)

• Process Mapping & Value Stream Mapping

• Root Cause Analysis (5 Why, Fishbone, etc.)

• Data analysis and operational metrics tracking

• Project management

• Change management and stakeholder engagement

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Excellent communication and influencing skills

Key Metrics Impacted

• Productivity improvements

• Lead time reduction

• Inventory optimization

• Cost reduction

• Capacity utilization

• Operational efficiency

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