Continuous Improvement Manager

Penmac is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager for South Hill, VA Salary is 90-100k per year based on experience CI Manager Job Description Position Description The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for creating value by leading and driving Continuous Improvement initiatives. This role applies CI principles to support financial performance, business objectives, and leadership development goals. The position is responsible for guiding, training, executing, and measuring the CI strategy for the Tonawanda sites. This position reports to the Plant Manager and has a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Global CI Manager. The CI Manager works frequently and closely with Plant Management teams and builds a network with other plants to share and develop best practices. Key Accountabilities Strategic Improvement Partner with the Plant Manager and site leadership to define, prioritize, and execute a clear CI roadmap aligned with business and financial targets, including the 3.5% (COGS) annual cost-out goal. Lead multidisciplinary teams through structured improvement cycles using DMAIC, A3, or 8D problem-solving methodologies. Identify systemic performance gaps, quantify financial impact, and ensure corrective actions are embedded and sustained. Own and maintain the site value stream map, identifying and reducing waste, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies across all processes. Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to reduce process variation and improve capability. Deliver measurable, verified improvements in OEE, waste reduction, and operating costs. Support capital investment projects to ensure operational efficiency and risk reduction are considered from concept through execution. Performance Management Analyze performance data to identify trends and systemic issues; lead root-cause elimination and standardization activities. Support the annual budget process by translating CI project gains into quantifiable savings and operational efficiencies. Ensure all CI activities are documented, reviewed, and validated through robust financial and operational tracking. Capability Building & Culture Build CI capability at all levels of the organization by coaching leaders, engineers, and operators in Lean and problem-solving tools. Facilitate hands-on 5S leadership and Kaizen events that drive immediate and visible improvements. Lead practical workshops and Kaizen events focused on frontline ownership and sustainable improvement. Promote a positive improvement culture where ownership, continuous learning, and accountability are embedded in daily work. Act as a visible role model for continuous improvement behaviors and cross-functional collaboration. Standardization & Knowledge Sharing Support alignment with the Global CI framework by sharing best practices, metrics, and success stories across the BAM network. Ensure consistent application of CI tools and methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone, Pareto, FMEA, SMED, etc.) across the site. Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations to sustain standardized processes and advance problem-solving maturity. Cultural Expectations Acts as a champion of improvement and accountability. Leads by example through collaboration, openness, and respect. Encourages innovation and experimentation while maintaining process discipline. Fosters a learning culture that celebrates success and reflects on failure to drive continuous growth. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field. Minimum of five years of experience in manufacturing or operations, including at least two years leading CI or Lean programs. Formal training and practical application of Lean principles with demonstrated results. Proven ability to lead cross-functional problem-solving teams and deliver quantifiable savings. Strong analytical, facilitation, and influencing skills with the ability to engage all levels of the organization.

Preferred / Desirable

Qualifications Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) strongly preferred. Experience leading multisite CI or Operational Excellence initiatives. Familiarity with digital or AI-enabled tools for process monitoring and predictive maintenance. Advanced data analysis and visualization skills (Power BI, Minitab, Excel). Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional elements depending on the position offered. Details of participation in benefit plans will be provided if an offer of employment is extended. If interested, please apply online at www.penmac.com Why Penmac We're a 100% employee-owned company that puts people first. That means real opportunities, strong support, and benefits designed with you in mind.