Director of Continuous Improvement | Missouri, USA

We are seeking an accomplished Director of Continuous Improvement to lead operational excellence initiatives across a high-value manufacturing environment. This role is critical in driving efficiency, reducing waste, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced process improvement methodologies, supported by a strong background in precision and high-value manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a company-wide continuous improvement strategy aligned to business goals.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Standardise and optimise processes across manufacturing, services, and supply chain operations.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to identify bottlenecks and deliver sustainable improvements.
• Establish and track KPIs to measure progress and ensure accountability.
• Mentor, train, and influence teams at all levels on CI tools and problem-solving techniques.
• Drive cultural transformation by embedding operational excellence into daily practices.
• Oversee root cause analysis and corrective actions to resolve recurring challenges.
• Manage budgets, resources, and ROI models for CI projects.
• Stay ahead of emerging technologies, digital manufacturing tools, and industry trends.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, including 5+ years leading CI initiatives.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma (Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred).
• Hands-on experience in precision parts and assembly manufacturing.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and cost.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
• U.S. work authorization required (no visa sponsorship).
• Ability to pass background and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Industrial Engineering.
• Experience leading CI programs in power generation or other high-value manufacturing sectors.
• Strong financial acumen and ROI-driven approach to improvement.
• Experience in change management across multi-site/global operations.
• Familiarity with ISO, OSHA, and other regulatory standards.
• Track record of introducing digital manufacturing tools (MES, KPI dashboards, predictive analytics).

What’s on Offer

• Salary: $160,000 – $200,000 + Bonus.
• Comprehensive executive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/Disability Insurance, 401(k), PTO, paid holidays.
• Opportunity to lead enterprise-wide transformation for a forward-thinking energy solutions manufacturer.
• High-impact senior leadership role shaping performance, growth, and competitiveness.