Continuous Improvement Supervisor - Centralia, MO

The Continuous Improvement Supervisor is responsible for driving, coordinating, and sustaining Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement efforts across the facility. This role leads a team of Continuous Improvement Associates and Custodians, supports department leaders in daily management and problem-solving, and ensures CI systems such as 5S, standard work, and visual management are effectively implemented and sustained.

The CI Supervisor partners closely with Operations, Materials, Engineering, Maintenance, and Training to improve safety, quality, productivity, material flow, and employee engagement. Success in this role is measured by sustainable improvements, stronger daily management routines, and the development of CI capability at all levels of the organization.

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Program Development & Sustainment

• Lead the development, implementation, and sustainment of Lean model areas, including 5S, red-tag processes, min/max systems, and visual factory standards.
• Partner with department leaders to develop, document, and maintain standard work across production and support areas.
• Plan and facilitate kaizen events, root-cause investigations, and cross-functional improvement workshops.
• Ensure CI systems are practical, embedded in daily operations, and sustained beyond initial implementation.

Operational Support & Coaching

• Support Operations and Materials teams by identifying flow constraints, capacity gaps, waste, and bottlenecks.
• Coach supervisors and team leaders on daily management systems, tier boards, problem-solving routines, and CI behaviors.
• Conduct data analysis, process mapping, and observation studies to support improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Engineering and Maintenance to support equipment layout changes, process improvements, and workflow redesign.
• Act as a hands-on resource on the shop floor to reinforce standards and drive real-time problem resolution.

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Provide daily leadership, priority setting, and development for Continuous Improvement Associates and Custodians.
• Coordinate custodial activities to support safety, equipment condition, 5S standards, and plant appearance.
• Set clear expectations, track progress, and hold the CI team accountable to goals and standards.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, and performance development of CI team members.

Training & Cultural Development

• Partner with the Training Supervisor to ensure Lean fundamentals are part of new-hire onboarding.
• Develop and deliver CI training materials, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences for all levels of the organization.
• Support employee engagement through structured problem-solving, idea systems, and recognition of improvement efforts.
• Serve as a visible role model for continuous improvement mindset and behaviors.

Expected Outcomes

• Stronger daily management routines with clear performance visibility at the department level.
• Measurable improvements in safety, quality, output, overtime, and material flow.
• Reduced waste and improved efficiency through standard work, visual management, and process discipline.
• Sustainable 5S model areas that set clear expectations for plant-wide performance.
• Increased engagement and ownership of problem-solving by supervisors, team leads, and operators.

• 3-5+ years of manufacturing experience with demonstrated focus on Lean or continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to lead, facilitate, and coach cross-functional teams through change.
• Hands-on experience implementing CI tools such as 5S, standard work, kaizen, A3, and root-cause problem solving.
• Strong analytical skills; able to use data, observation, and process knowledge to drive decisions.
• Experience partnering with Operations, Materials, Engineering, and Maintenance teams.
• Lean / CI certification preferred (HMS, Six Sigma, or equivalent).
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.