Corporate Director of Continuous Improvement

Job Overview

We are currently looking for a Continuous Improvement Director to join our team in Holland, MI.

As a Continuous Improvement Director, you will:

Ignite global innovation by spearheading the design, rollout, and ongoing refinement of an ambitious continuous improvement roadmap for our entire organization. Design and execute management strategies that align with organizational objectives, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure flawless project execution. By transforming broad company strategies into actionable, cross-functional objectives, you will lead the charge in implementing cutting-edge methodologies that minimize waste, maximize efficiency, elevate customer satisfaction, and supercharge our business performance. 

Essential Functions

• Define a clear and compelling vision for continuous improvement that aligns with the overall business strategy and organizational goals. Serves as a facilitator for removing barriers and accelerating organizational adoption and results.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, attracting, retaining, and developing top talent. Oversee the training, coaching and certification programs in order to build continuous improvement capabilities across the organization.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and experimentation, exploring new methodologies, tools, and partnerships to optimize and drive successful outcomes.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, anticipate emerging methodologies, and shape the future of manufacturing and management excellence within Haworth organization. Remain a curious student of continuous improvement trends and methodologies.
• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with key internal clients (Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Other Sectors), external providers and industry leaders.
• Serve as a key representative of project and program organization at the executive level, communicating strategy, vision, and operational insights to inform business decisions. Create periodic Executive Summaries of performance and advancement of initiatives.
• Provides final approval for departmental budgets, oversees financial performance, analyzes key metrics, and makes strategic decisions regarding resource allocation, investments, and cost optimization initiatives to achieve long-term financial sustainability.
• Champion a culture of inclusion and belonging, promoting member engagement, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
• Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
• Performs other duties within scope as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or equivalent
• Education Equivalency: 
  • Associate's degree plus 2 years related experience or,
  • High school diploma plus 4 years related experience

Work Experience:

• 12 years of experience in Continuous Improvement with Bachelor’s degree or 10 years of experience in continuous improvement with Master’s degree
• 7 years of supervisory experience
• Military Equivalency: https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military

Additionally:

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including international
• Ability to work in Holland, MI
• Current and continuing right to work in the United States without sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Gold Certification
• Proven experience in leading large-scale, global Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Exceptional strategic planning and execution skills.
• Ability to apply Lean methodologies in operations environments and successfully translate those principles to drive efficiency in non-operational, transactional areas.