Continuous Improvement Manager

CI Manager Location:

Madison, WI Salary:

120-150k We are partnering with a well-established, privately held manufacturing client that is continuing to invest in its people, operations, and long-term growth. Due to ongoing expansion and a strong focus on operational excellence, our client is adding a new Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to lead strategic initiatives that drive efficiency, scalability, and sustainable performance across the organization. This is a high-impact role within a stable, growth-oriented company known for modern manufacturing practices, cross-functional collaboration, and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement and employee development. Salary for the role is 120-150k.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out:

Newly created, high-visibility role with the ability to shape CI strategy and make a measurable impact Privately held, financially stable organization with long-term leadership and consistent growth Strong investment in modern equipment, automation, and process improvement Culture that values Lean thinking, innovation, and employee involvement Cross-functional exposure across manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, and leadership Opportunities for career growth as the organization continues to expand Collaborative, team-oriented environment where CI is supported at the leadership level Commitment to sustainability and operational responsibility, appealing to purpose-driven professionals Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with market-leading manufacturers

Key Responsibilities:

• Process Optimization Lead Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other CI initiatives to streamline workflows and eliminate inefficiencies Analyze performance data to identify improvement opportunities across operations, supply chain, production, and administrative processes
• Strategy & Execution Develop and manage the organization's continuous improvement roadmap Partner with leadership to align CI initiatives with overall business objectives Establish measurable KPIs and track performance improvements
• Leadership & Collaboration Mentor and coach employees in CI tools, methodologies, and structured problem-solving Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and teamwork Facilitate workshops and training sessions to build CI capability across the organization
• Change Management Drive adoption of new processes and systems, ensuring smooth and sustainable transitions Engage stakeholders at all levels to overcome resistance and embed continuous improvement practices

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master's preferred)

Experience:

5+ years in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or process optimization, ideally within a manufacturing or supply chain environment

Certifications:

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred