Continuous Improvement Leader

Continuous Improvement Leader

Department: Engineering

• Employment Type: Full Time
• Location: Fort Worth, TX - Pumps
• Reporting To: Jeff Conley

Description

Job Summary:
The Continuous Improvement Leader is responsible for driving operational excellence across multiple manufacturing facilities by leading key initiatives focused on process improvement, efficiency gains, and strategic alignment. This role plays a critical part in implementing lean manufacturing principles, deploying digital manufacturing tools, and supporting cross-functional projects that directly impact performance, cost, and quality.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
• May lead cross-functional project teams and temporary improvement teams.
• Provides guidance and direction to plant leadership and local improvement coordinators.
• No direct reports initially, but may expand based on business needs.
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Support the development and execution of strategic operational plans aligned with long-term business goals.
• Drive standardization of best practices, processes, and performance metrics across facilities.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of new technologies and automation opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Support operational transitions, consolidations, and capacity planning efforts to ensure smooth execution and minimal disruption.
• Champion lean methodologies and foster a culture of problem-solving, accountability, and waste elimination.
• Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams to execute improvement projects and deliver measurable results.
• Provide coaching, training, and tools to site teams to build continuous improvement capabilities at all levels of the organization.
• Collaborate with leadership to align improvement initiatives with business priorities and ensure progress is tracked and communicated effectively.
• Assist in the deployment of strategic planning tools and frameworks to ensure organizational alignment and goal tracking.

Required Skills/Abilities: 
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles (Kaizen, 6S, GEMBA, Value Stream Mapping).
• Proven ability to lead cross-site, cross-functional projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Skilled in change management and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficient with digital manufacturing tools and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or a continuous improvement role.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) strongly preferred.
• Experience with technology deployment in a manufacturing environment (e.g., Machine Metrics) is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to traverse manufacturing environments and perform onsite assessments.
• Able to travel up to 30% to various manufacturing facilities as required.
• May occasionally be required to lift up to 25 pounds.

GD Energy Products is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, as well as any other characteristic protected by applicable law, regulation or local ordinance. For more information about your rights under the law, see http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf