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Ellaway Blues Consulting

Director of Continuous Improvement

Ellaway Blues Consulting, Des Moines, Iowa, United States

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Engineering Recruitment Manager @ Ellaway Blues Consulting Title:

Director of Continuous Improvement

Location:

Missouri, USA

Salary:

$160,000-200,000 + Bonus

Term:

Permanent

Relocation Assistance Available

Summary We are seeking an accomplished

Director of Continuous Improvement

to spearhead operational excellence initiatives across a leading power solutions manufacturing environment. This role is critical in driving efficiency, reducing waste, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced process improvement methodologies, with a strong background in complex, high-value manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and lead the company-wide continuous improvement strategy aligned to overall business goals.

Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

Analyze and standardize processes across manufacturing, services, and supply chain operations.

Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to identify bottlenecks and deliver sustainable improvements.

Establish and track KPIs to measure progress and drive accountability.

Mentor, train, and influence teams at all levels on continuous improvement tools and problem‑solving techniques.

Drive cultural transformation to embed operational excellence and innovation into daily practices.

Oversee root cause analysis and corrective action plans to resolve recurring operational challenges.

Manage resources, budgets, and ROI models for continuous improvement projects.

Stay ahead of industry trends, digital manufacturing tools, and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive advantage.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field.

10+ years’ progressive experience in manufacturing operations, including 5+ years leading CI initiatives.

Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred), and process optimization.

Hands‑on experience in precision parts and assembly manufacturing environments.

Proven success delivering measurable results in efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.

Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management abilities.

Must have U.S. work authorization (no visa sponsorship available).

Ability to pass pre‑employment background and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Industrial Engineering.

Experience leading CI programs in power generation or other high‑value manufacturing sectors.

Strong financial acumen with ROI‑driven approach to improvement projects.

Change management expertise across multi‑site or global operations.

Familiarity with ISO, OSHA, and other regulatory/quality standards.

Track record of introducing innovative technologies and digital manufacturing tools (MES, KPI dashboards, predictive analytics).

Benefits

Competitive salary and executive‑level benefits package.

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/Disability Insurance, 401K, PTO, and paid holidays.

Opportunity to lead enterprise‑wide transformation at a forward‑thinking energy solutions manufacturer.

A senior leadership role with direct impact on performance, growth, and long‑term competitiveness.

If you are a Director of Continuous Improvement that matches the criteria of the Job Description, please apply with an updated resume!

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