Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Manager

Role Summary: Vanderlande North America is seeking a highly skilled Continuous Improvement Manager to drive the implementation of lean methodologies across its Manufacturing branch. This role is pivotal in executing the transition from a consultant-led approach to a self-sustained lean production system. The ideal candidate will focus on coaching, training, and enabling teams to develop and sustain lean problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, this role will coordinate continuous improvement efforts to ensure best practices are shared and sustained across the organization.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Create and facilitate training programs related to safety, quality, and equipment usage
• Lead the transition of self-sustainment of lean in North America, ensuring the development of a sustainable lean culture
• Coach and facilitate lean manufacturing methodologies, embedding problem-solving skills across all supply chain teams
• Provide hands-on support through coaching, training, and facilitating lean workshops, kaizen events, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Empower teams to take ownership of continuous improvement by embedding lean capabilities at all levels
• Measure and track the impact of CI initiatives, ensuring continuous progress toward operational excellence
• Serve as a change agent, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and self-sufficiency

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence (or equivalent)
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills, with the ability to develop lean capabilities in others
• Ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to adapt and manage multiple CI initiatives across various teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in leading large-scale lean transformations
• Knowledge of Supply Chain operations within a complex, global organization.
• Experience with ISO certification and ISO audits

Travel:

Less than 10%.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The work environment/physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

Employee will be subject to warehouse environment, cold temperatures of 40 degrees , and will be required to wear jacket.  Noise levels of 90 decibels can be reached at certain times.  Can be exposed to fumes or airborne particles while in manufacturing environment. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 75 pounds.)

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

EEOC Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.