Manager, Continuous Improvement

For nearly 70 years, MasterBrand has been shaping the places where people come together, enriching lives and creating meaningful memories for our customers. That, combined with our stylish products, expansive dealer and retail network, and dedicated associates, has helped make us the number one North American residential cabinet business. Our unique culture of continuous improvement is based on trusting the tools, empowering the team and moving forward, and is kept alive by our more than 14,000 associates across 20 plus manufacturing facility and offices. Visit www.masterbrand.com to learn more and join us in building great experiences together!

Responsible for managing plant continuous improvement initiatives to reduce operating costs and improve manufacturing efficiencies. Duties include managing lean projects, Kaizen events, 5S activities, 3P events, Six Sigma projects and tracking CI reductions. Reports to the General Manager and has 3-5 direct reports.  

Duties and Responsibilities:   

• Champion the MasterBrand Business System (MBS) strategy and provide hands-on support and any necessary training during implementation. 
• Supervise and develop Continuous Improvement team.  
• Coach and lead Continuous Improvement teams with strategic planning, goal setting, lean manufacturing, cost reduction documentation, and problem-solving principles.  
• Lead and facilitate strategic initiatives, Kaizen workshops, and other Lean activities, including:  Six Sigma projects, Kaizen events, 3P events, 5S activities, continuous improvement initiatives, lean manufacturing efforts, R&A and scrap reduction, and process and quality improvements. 
• Partner with the General Manager on strategic planning and goal setting. 
• Deliver plant-wide and associate-level training in Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies. 
• Follow up with operations team to ensure successful implementation of future-state plans. 
• Support safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) initiatives through clearly defined, actionable plans. 
• Champion safety through visible leadership, site-specific safety plans, and targeted MasterBrand initiatives. 
• Identify and implement new technology, equipment, systems, and process improvements to enhance MasterBrand’s manufacturing platform and maximize return on investment. 
• Perform miscellaneous duties and projects as assigned and required. 

Key Competencies  

• Strong track record for transforming organizations – building the team, managing change, streamlining processes and driving safety, quality, delivery and cost improvements. 
• Demonstrated highly developed problem solving and project management skills. 
• Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. 
• Ensures accountability; holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. 

• BS degree in Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain Management or equivalent experience. 
• Advanced education in Lean manufacturing techniques preferred. 
• Project management or change management certification a plus.  
• Six Sigma Black Belt highly desirable. 
• 5-8+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment  
• 5 years of CI/lean experience  
• 2+ years of supervisory experience 
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.  
• Tech-savvy with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Power BI, MS Project, and Visio.

Sensory/ Physical Requirements: 

Sensory:   

• Frequent speaking, hearing, near vision, far vision and touch. 
• Ability to address large groups of Employees at all levels of the organization including Executives in both formal and informal settings. 

Physical:    

• Frequent head/neck static position, rotation, flexion and extension.   
• Frequent change in torso/back position, frequent stooping, bending and twisting.   
• Frequent finger dexterity.  
• Frequent simple grasp, firm grasp and wrist flexion.   
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, crouching, kneeling. 
• Occasional lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching and carrying. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

MasterBrand Cabinets LLC is an equal opportunity employer. MasterBrand Cabinets LLC’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability/handicap status, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. MasterBrand Cabinets LLC also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also MasterBrand Cabinets LLC’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Reasonable Accommodations

MasterBrand Cabinets LLC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment, please contact us at [email protected].

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications is $95k-$125k annually with an Annual Incentive Plan bonus potential up to 15%

Benefits:  

• Insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, 401K all effective day 1 of employment, plus generous PTO and holidays
• Associate appreciation/recognition programs
• Scholarship program for children of employees
• Other benefits offered are dependent upon plant location, please check with HR for details