Description:
The Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement (CI) leads the strategic deployment of the Cornerstone Production System (CPS) across enterprise business functions upstream of Manufacturing and Supply Chain. This role is accountable for driving transformation initiatives, embedding Lean thinking, and developing a culture of operational excellence across commercial and transactional departments. Acting as a change leader and CI expert, the Senior Manager partners with senior and executive leadership to deliver measurable improvements in business performance, customer value, and employee capability.
This role influences multiple business units, functions, and regions, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and standardization of Lean practices across the organization.
- Strategic CI Leadership
- Lead the deployment of Lean principles, Kaizen methodology, and CPS across commercial and enterprise support functions (e.g., Sales, Finance, Engineering, Customer Service, etc.).
- Align CI initiatives with corporate strategy and drive measurable progress toward annual and long-term performance targets.
- Collaborate with business unit leaders and executives to identify and prioritize transformation opportunities with high business impact.
- Enterprise Transformation
- Oversee CI efforts across multiple sites and departments, ensuring consistent adoption of CPS principles, tools, and behaviors.
- Facilitate strategic planning processes using Lean methodologies to support cost, quality, and service-level improvements.
- Serve as the enterprise change agent to support underperforming areas or high-priority business initiatives.
- Capability Building & Leadership Development
- Design and lead capability development programs for CI Managers, site leaders, and future Lean champions through CPS College™, kaizen facilitation, and structured coaching.
- Build and mentor a high-performing network of Lean facilitators and CI practitioners across the organization.
- Governance & Performance Management
- Develop and execute CI governance frameworks to monitor Lean maturity, audit compliance, and ROI of transformation initiatives.
- Lead monthly reviews of departmental CI Annual Plans, ensuring adherence to goals and providing strategic intervention when necessary.
- Innovation & Best Practice Sharing
- Promote cross-functional and cross-site knowledge sharing of Lean best practices, tools, and success stories.
- Support new product introductions with pre-launch and post-launch Kaizen and process optimization initiatives.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Build strong partnerships with senior stakeholders and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on CI-related decisions.
- Present CI strategies, results, and business cases to leadership teams and corporate forums.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, Operations, or Engineering discipline) strongly preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience leading Lean and Continuous Improvement efforts across business functions.
- Proven track record of driving enterprise-wide or business-unit-wide transformation and achieving measurable results.
- Deep expertise in Lean principles, Kaizen methodology, and business process reengineering.
- Strong executive presence and ability to influence and communicate with senior leadership.
- Exceptional facilitation, coaching, and change leadership skills.
- Experience working in a matrixed, cross-functional, and global organization preferred.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 75%, including international travel as needed.