Continuous Improvement Manager

For nearly 70 years, MasterBrand has been shaping the places where people come together, enriching lives and creating meaningful memories for our customers. That, combined with our stylish products, expansive dealer and retail network, and dedicated associates, has helped make us the number one North American residential cabinet business. Our unique culture of continuous improvement is based on trusting the tools, empowering the team and moving forward, and is kept alive by our more than 14,000 associates across 20 plus manufacturing facility and offices. Visit www.masterbrand.com to learn more and join us in building great experiences together!

Job Summary: The Continuous Improvement Manager will provide leadership, coaching, support and project management to the organization to support the company’s lean transformation. This position will identify areas of potential improvement and work with company Leaders to realize the improvement potential by using tools that include Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 6S, Daily Management, Standard Work, Pull Systems and Problem- Solving Process. 

Shift: Monday - Thursday 5:30 AM - 4:00 PM, You will normally work this shift, however may need to work on Fridays based on company needs.

Key Accountabilities 

• Responsible for successfully deploying sustainable standard leadership and lean tools throughout organization including but not limited to; Daily Management, Standard Work, Leadership Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, Pull System, Visual Management and A3 thinking. 
• Help to establish an organizational culture of Continuous Improvement by acting as a coach and mentor to all levels of the organization. 
• Through the use of Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, or other similar techniques identify processes and eliminate 8 level waste within the organization that can achieve a significant gain. 
• Continually challenge conventional thinking by challenging current processes and procedures in the spirit of continuous improvement. 
• Models what it means to be a change agent within the organization. 
• Work with organizational Leaders to build Kaizen funnel and opportunities for improvement 
• Facilitates Kaizen Events and coaches team members on Kaizen preparation and post-Kaizen action implementation 
• Work closely with the Business Unit to identify and deploy meaningful KPI’s 
• Provide ongoing education to the organization in the areas of Continuous Improvement.  

 Key Competencies 

• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills (both verbal and written) 
• Highly developed problem solving and project management skill 
• Consultative skills 
• Ability to deliver training to large groups – experience preferred 
• Experience with change management principles and demonstrated ability to drive and manage the change process 
• Demonstrated facilitation and coaching skills 
• Familiar with diverse manufacturing processes 
• Demonstrated capability to learn product lines and manufacturing processes 
• Proven ability to work in a team environment 
• Demonstrated ability to use information technology (internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Negotiation and selling skills to support change management 
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks 
• Demonstrated conflict management skills 
• Ability to setup, track, and document results as required 
• Willingness and ability to travel overnight up to 50% 

 Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (advanced degree helpful) 
• Lean Certified or equivalent experience 
• Experience with Toyota Production System or company with similar system preferred 
• 5 or more years of experience in Continuous Improvement, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership role and demonstrated track record of implementation success.  
• Excellent analytical, project management and presentation skills 
• Must possess strong computer skills with a background in ERP Systems and Microsoft Office. 

Work Schedule: 

• This position requires candidates to work on-site at our manufacturing facility. 
• Monday through Thursday: 7:00 am to 7:30 pm (plus overtime as required and needed) 
• Additional Friday or weekend work as necessary and required. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.