Director, Continuous Improvement
$150,000–$190,000 year
On-siteOwatonna, Minnesota, United States
Job Summary
Lead implementation and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing facilities, driving improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost. Coach leaders and engineers in continuous improvement practices, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies while partnering with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to execute strategic initiatives. Utilize Lean tools including Kaizen, A3, PDCA, and DMAIC to analyze data, identify performance gaps, and lead change management efforts. Develop a high-performing CI team and provide technical leadership in automation, machine data collection, and AI-enabled solutions to improve process capability and yield. This role involves frequent presence in manufacturing environments with up to 30% travel, including overnight trips averaging one week per month, and requires working in both office and production settings. Based in Minnesota with time spent at Viracon in Owatonna and Kalwall in Manchester, the position supports Apogee's integration of Kalwall Enterprises into the Architectural Glass segment.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations
- Proven track record implementing and sustaining continuous improvement and operational excellence programs
- Experience leading cultural transformation and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple levels of an organization
- Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologies
- Demonstrated success leading Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects from concept through sustained results
- Strong leadership and influencing skills
- Data-driven decision-making and analytical problem-solving capabilities
- Effective coaching, communication, and facilitation skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Results-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to accountability, learning, and continuous improvement
- Travel up to approximately 30%
- Ability to work in both office and production settings
- Ability to lift up to 10 pounds
Desired Qualifications
- Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field
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