Sr. Manager, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

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Job Location: Thomasville, GA (relocation assistance will be provided)

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. No