Regional Continuous Improvement Manager – Central Coverage

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Nebraska, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Drive, facilitate, and promote operational excellence through thorough Continuous Improvement methodologies across Valmont locations.

• Identify, communicate, and eliminate performance barriers while assisting teams in conflict resolution.

• Train and mentor managers, supervisors, and staff in CI tools and practices such as Kaizen, 5S, VSM, Six Sigma, TPM, Standard Work, Kanban, SMED, Theory of Constraints, and VOC.

• Generate and implement production savings while leading impactful improvement projects.

• Guide leaders in embedding CI principles into everyday operations, fostering a sustainable culture of continuous improvement.

• Facilitate and coach CI events, coordinating activities across teams, support groups, and management.

• Lead cross-functional teams in the development and enhancement of business processes, architecture, requirements, change management, and performance metrics.

• Analyze workflow impediments and apply suitable CI methodologies to eliminate waste and minimize variation.

• Advise site leaders, managers, and CI practitioners on applying continuous improvement principles and effective leadership behaviors.

• Define and facilitate improvement activities using PDCA and other CI frameworks that align with site strategic roadmaps.

• Coach sites to enhance standard work, customer value, and operational flexibility.

• Establish, monitor, and communicate CI metrics and reporting for stakeholders.

• Determine resource needs, training requirements, and internal control procedures.

• Lead TPM workshops, Standard Work sessions, SMED projects, root cause analyses, and value stream transformations.

• Mentor and coach teams to develop problem-solving skills and sustain improvements.

• Collaborate with the Director of Operations to create the Regional Continuous Improvement Roadmap.

• Promote the dissemination of CI knowledge through both formal and informal training.

• Identify training needs and support the development of CI capabilities.

• Organize and manage multiple priorities while adhering to strict deadlines and quality standards.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience, or an associate degree with 10+ years of progressive experience in operations, manufacturing, or continuous improvement.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Visio) and CI project management tools.

• Proven expertise in various CI methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Theory of Constraints, Business Process Improvement).

• Demonstrated ability to lead value stream mapping workshops and facilitate data-driven improvement actions to ensure flow.

• Established history of leading cross-functional improvement projects and achieving measurable business outcomes.

• Thorough understanding of production processes, cost drivers, and operational metrics.

• Effective facilitation skills with the capability to engage employees at all levels.

• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.

• Willingness to travel domestically 50-75% of the time.

• Proximity to a major airport is essential.

• Preferred professional certification(s) in one or more CI methodologies (Toyota Production Systems, Six Sigma Black Belt/Green Belt, TPM, etc.).

• Experience in strategy deployment, enterprise-level CI programs, and leadership in culture change is preferred.

• A commitment to lifelong learning in Continuous Improvement and operational excellence is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Healthcare coverage (medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision).

• 401k retirement plan with company matching.

• Paid time off.

• Employer-paid life insurance.

• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, including maternity leave.

• Work-Life Support programs.

• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 annually.

• Optional programs such as tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services, and more.