Continuous Improvement Quality Manager

Overall, Purpose

The Continuous Improvement Program Manager is responsible for leading and managing the organization's continuous improvement initiatives. This role involves developing, implementing, and overseeing programs and projects aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, improving quality, and driving overall organizational performance. The manager will work collaboratively with various departments and stakeholders to foster a culture of continuous improvement and ensure that improvement efforts are aligned with strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive continuous improvement strategy and framework aligned with organizational goals.
• Opportunity Identification: Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities through data analysis, process mapping, and stakeholder feedback.
• Project Leadership: Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other relevant tools.
• Team Management: Manage project teams, defining project scope, developing timelines, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Training & Coaching: Provide training and coaching to employees at all levels on continuous improvement principles, methodologies, and tools.
• Performance Monitoring: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact and effectiveness of improvement initiatives.
• Standardization: Develop and maintain standardized processes, documentation, and best practices.
• Communication Facilitation: Facilitate communication and collaboration across departments to ensure buy-in and support for improvement efforts.
• Trend Monitoring: Monitor industry trends and best practices in continuous improvement and recommend adoption where appropriate.
• Reporting: Report on the progress and outcomes of continuous improvement programs to senior management.
• Culture Promotion: Foster a culture of continuous improvement and empower employees to identify and implement enhancements.

• Continuous Improvement Methodologies: Proven expertise in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred), Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Project Management Skills: Strong ability to plan, organize, execute, and monitor projects. Familiarity with project management software is a plus.
• Data Analysis: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Process Mapping: Skill in visually representing processes (e.g., SIPOC, value stream maps) and identifying areas for optimization.
• Change Management: Understanding of change management principles to effectively support organizational initiatives.
• Performance Measurement: Ability to define relevant KPIs and develop systems for tracking performance improvements.
• Training Skills: Ability to design and deliver effective training programs on continuous improvement methodologies.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills for identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.

• Leadership: Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate ideas and present findings.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and build strong working relationships.
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to align continuous improvement initiatives with organizational strategy.
• Results-Oriented: Focus on achieving measurable results and driving performance improvements.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Initiative: Identifying opportunities for improvement and taking independent action.
• Coaching: Ability to guide and develop others in continuous improvement principles.
• Customer Focus: Understanding of internal and external customer needs to enhance customer value.

• 5-7+ years of progressive experience in continuous improvement roles with increasing responsibility.
• Proven experience leading and managing continuous improvement projects with measurable results.
• Practical experience applying Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience in developing and delivering training on continuous improvement concepts.
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in change management and implementing organizational changes.
• Industry-specific experience is beneficial, depending on the organization's sector.
• Familiarity with project management software is a plus.

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is typically required.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) is highly desirable.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is an advantage.