Director – Continuous Improvement

Director – Continuous Improvement

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, or operational excellence roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to drive cultural change.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies (certification at the Black Belt level or higher is preferred).
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Strong team building, decision-making and people management skills.
• Proven ability to show initiative, work independently and make sound judgments on a day-to-day basis regarding assigned and ad hoc duties with minimal supervision.
• Ability to discern and communicate with the highest level of tact and diplomacy, both verbally and in writing, to members of the Senior Leadership, Board of Directors, Consultants, as well as with all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to independently perform, prioritize and execute multiple tasks and complex projects seamlessly with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Very strong communication and interpersonal skills: expert level oral and written communication; grasp of grammar; actively listens; clearly and effectively conveys information; uses professional telephone/email communication; ability to collaboratively build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, external partners and others.
• High level of self-motivation with proactive approaches to problem solving and strong decision-making capabilities.
• Independently motivated, creative thinker and resourceful team player with the ability to be extremely effective independently.
• Demonstrated time management skills to achieve high performance goals by prioritizing and executing to meet deadlines.
• High degree of collaboration with all levels in the organization and highest level of customer service and response.
• Forward-looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities, proposes solutions and is adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrates the highest level of customer/client service and response.
• Exudes professionalism by making good 1st impressions, demonstrating respectful and welcoming behavior, dressing appropriate to the environment and maintaining professional work surroundings.
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook) required.
• Ability to learn other systems and software used by the company.
• Maintain positive, cooperative attitude with all employees of LATICRETE and all customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Continuous Improvement strategy aligned with the company’s WCM framework, focusing on eliminating waste, optimizing processes, and improving overall operational efficiency.
• Lead the implementation of WCM pillars such as Quality, Autonomous Maintenance, Professional Maintenance, and People Development across all facilities.
• Manage a portfolio of continuous improvement projects, prioritizing initiatives that deliver the highest value in terms of cost savings, quality improvements, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget while meeting the desired objectives.
• Oversee the deployment of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, and 5S, to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in manufacturing and business processes.
• Implement standardized processes and procedures across the organization, ensuring consistency and best practices are applied universally.
• Foster a culture of accountability and empowerment, ensuring that all employees are engaged in and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, and Production Management, to drive integrated solutions that enhance overall business performance.
• Lead the development and execution of Lean Six Sigma training programs for managers and employees, building internal capabilities to sustain continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and coach Lean Six Sigma Green Belts and Black Belts within the organization, ensuring the effective execution of improvement projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Certification at the Black Belt level or higher in Lean Six Sigma is preferred.