Sr. Manager, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

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Job Location: Thomasville, GA

Essential Functions:

This position within Cleaver-Brooks reports to the Director of Strategic Operations. The primary responsibility of this position is to play a critical leadership role in driving transformational improvements across Cleaver-Brooks’ operations with primary focus on our largest manufacturing facility in Thomasville, GA. This position is responsible for leading enterprise-level operational excellence initiatives by applying advanced problem-solving methodologies and delivering strategic, high-impact outcomes across functions. 

Essential Duties:

• Lead large-scale, cross-functional transformation initiatives with a focus on improving quality, cost, delivery, and scalability. 
• Translate business strategy into executable improvement roadmaps, leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, problem solving, and data-driven approaches. 
• Solve enterprise-wide challenges by partnering with stakeholders to identify opportunities, uncover root causes, and implement sustainable solutions. 

Lean And Continuous Improvement Strategy:

• Champion the development and deployment of Lean and CI practices across Cleaver-Brooks’ operating model. 
• Coach and mentor business leaders, functional teams, and shop floor associates on CI tools and behaviors to drive a culture of operational excellence. 
• Identify and implement standard work, KPIs, visual management, and governance processes that support continuous learning and accountability. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Leadership:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and operational teams, enabling transformation through facilitation, coaching, and strategic insight. 
• Lead workshops, kaizen events, and value stream mapping to support team alignment and problem solving. 
• Act as a key voice for change, helping to engage and align teams around transformation goals and performance metrics. 

Capability Building & Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop training and capability-building programs that grow continuous improvement knowledge across the organization. 
• Drive the evolution of Cleaver-Brooks’ OE/CI methodology, tools, and templates in collaboration with the broader Strategy & Transformation team. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Strategic Operations  

Education: Bachelor’s degree (BS) from four-year college or university in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related field.  

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operational excellence, business transformation, or related disciplines; candidates with slightly less experience may be considered if they demonstrate exceptional strength in other required qualifications. 
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-level CI initiatives in complex, regulated environments. 
• Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem solving (e.g., A3, 5 Why). 
• Exceptional facilitation and coaching skills with the ability to influence and inspire diverse stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. 

Preferred Experience:

• Advanced degree (MBA, MEng) or certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt. 
• Experience in Automotive, Heavy Industrial, or similar industries. 
• Familiarity with digital transformation, process automation, or technology-enabled optimization. 

Physical Skill & Effort:

• Ability to work in a standard office environment with extended periods of computer use. 
• Ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to physically navigate and spend extended periods on the plant floor within a manufacturing environment in order to facilitate Continuous Improvement Initiatives. 
• Up to 15% travel can be expected, including visits to other Cleaver-Brooks sites to support initiatives, attend meetings, and collaborate with cross-functional teams; travel may involve overnight stays and occasional international trips as required. 

Working Conditions And Hazards:

This description indicates the general nature of the tasks and responsibilities required of positions given this classification. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities. Nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of management to assign, direct, and control the specific duties of individuals performing this function. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any section of this document as it deems, in its judgement, to be proper. 

 Benefits of Being a Cleaver-Brooks Employee:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, maternity support program, discounted virtual physician visits, voluntary medical benefits (Critical Illness, Hospital Care, and Accidental Injury), FSA, HSA, life insurance, short term and long-term disability
• Cash matching 401(k) plan
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Pet insurance
• Employee discount program
• Tuition assistance
• Paid time off and 11 paid holidays

Who Is Cleaver-Brooks:

Cleaver-Brooks is the market leader in providing fully integrated boiler and burner systems. We lead the boiler/burner industry due to our unmatched distribution network’s ability to deliver the knowledge, service, training, and support that are essential to long-term performance. Our customers will tell you that we are the only equipment provider that manufactures boilers, burners, controls, and a full array of ancillary and aftermarket products. They will also mention that our unique single-source capability means that we can deliver fully integrated boiler room solutions that reduce overall costs and optimize space. It is our focus on products that deliver the most efficient, reliable, safe, and environmentally sustainable solutions that differentiate us in the marketplace. Cleaver-Brooks continues a 90+ year legacy of providing the customers we serve with extraordinary products designed to deliver unsurpassed performance through the power of commitment.

This description indicates the general nature of the tasks and responsibilities required of positions given this classification. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities. Nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of management to assign, direct, and control the specific duties of individuals performing this function. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any section of this document as it deems, in its judgement, to be proper.

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