The Continuous Improvement Manager will lead and drive operational excellence initiatives across a steel fabrication environment, focusing on productivity, quality, safety, and cost reduction. This role is highly visible within the plant and works cross-functionally with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to implement Lean manufacturing principles and sustain a culture of continuous improvement.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in steel fabrication processes such as welding, machining, forming, and assembly, combined with a proven track record of leading measurable improvements in throughput, waste reduction, and process stability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies
- Identify process inefficiencies in fabrication workflows including cutting, welding, machining, and finishing
- Facilitate value stream mapping and implement future-state improvements
- Drive waste reduction efforts across scrap, rework, downtime, and material handling
- Partner with production leadership to improve throughput, cycle times, and on-time delivery
- Develop and track KPIs related to OEE, yield, labor efficiency, and cost savings
- Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions for quality and operational issues
- Standardize processes and implement visual management systems on the shop floor
- Train and mentor supervisors and operators in Lean tools and continuous improvement practices
- Lead Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement teams
- Support capital improvement projects and equipment optimization initiatives
- Ensure alignment with safety and quality standards while driving operational changes
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field (preferred)
- 5–10+ years of experience in manufacturing, with strong exposure to steel fabrication or heavy industrial environments
- Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)
- Hands-on knowledge of fabrication processes such as welding (MIG/TIG), CNC machining, laser/plasma cutting, forming, and assembly
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production metrics tracking
- Demonstrated ability to lead change in a production environment
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization
Preferred Skills
- Experience in structural steel, heavy equipment, or industrial manufacturing
- Familiarity with automation, robotics, or Industry 4.0 technologies
- Knowledge of ISO quality systems
- Project management experience
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Reduction in scrap and rework
- Improvement in OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
- Cycle time and lead time reduction
- Labor productivity improvements
- Cost savings from CI initiatives
- On-time delivery improvements
Why This Role Matters
This role is critical to driving operational scalability and profitability. The Continuous Improvement Manager will directly impact plant performance, helping transform the operation into a lean, efficient, and data-driven manufacturing environment.
Email resume scott.slater@gogpac.com
Call 515-461-1578
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
