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Continuous Improvement Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FirstEnergy

Director, Continuous Improvement

Akron, OH · On-site

Position Summary The Director, Continuous Improvement reports to the VP, Continuous Improvement and can be located at our FirstEnergy Headquarters in Akron, OH. Travel to various work locations ...

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Continuous Improvement Director information

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$11K

$139.7K

$183.5K

How much do continuous improvement director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for continuous improvement director in the United States is $139,679.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,500.00 and $157,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Continuous Improvement Director vs Process Improvement Manager?

AspectContinuous Improvement DirectorProcess Improvement Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a Six Sigma, Lean, or similar certification; bachelor's or master's degree in business, engineering, or related fieldOften holds Six Sigma or Lean certifications; similar educational background
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in corporate or manufacturing settings, overseeing multiple projects and teamsOperational focus, managing specific process improvements within departments or teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, healthcare, and corporate sectors to drive continuous improvement initiativesCommonly found in manufacturing, logistics, and service industries focusing on process efficiency

The Continuous Improvement Director focuses on strategic, organization-wide initiatives to enhance processes, while the Process Improvement Manager concentrates on executing specific process improvements within teams. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope and level of responsibility.

How much does a continuous improvement specialist make?

A continuous improvement specialist typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Salaries can increase with certifications like Lean or Six Sigma and experience in process optimization and project management.

What are some typical challenges a Continuous Improvement Director faces when implementing change initiatives across an organization?

Continuous Improvement Directors often encounter resistance to change from employees who are accustomed to established processes. Building buy-in requires strong communication skills and the ability to demonstrate the value of new initiatives. Additionally, aligning improvement projects with overarching business goals can be complex, especially in large or cross-functional organizations. Successful directors prioritize stakeholder engagement and foster a culture of continuous learning to help teams adapt smoothly to changes.

How much does a VP of continuous improvement make?

A Vice President of Continuous Improvement typically earns between $130,000 and $250,000 annually, depending on the industry, company size, and location. Compensation often includes bonuses and stock options, and strong leadership and process improvement skills are essential for this role.

What is the role of a continuous improvement director?

A continuous improvement director oversees initiatives to enhance processes, efficiency, and quality within an organization. They analyze workflows, implement best practices, and lead teams to achieve operational excellence, often utilizing tools like Lean or Six Sigma. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and project management are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Continuous Improvement Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Continuous Improvement Director, you need expertise in process optimization, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and a background in operations management, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with process mapping tools, data analytics platforms, and certifications like Lean Six Sigma Black Belt are typically required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence and communicate change are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies drive sustainable operational efficiency, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

What is a CI director?

A Continuous Improvement (CI) Director is a leadership role responsible for developing and implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity within an organization. They often utilize methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen, and require strong analytical, project management, and change management skills. The role typically involves leading cross-functional teams and driving a culture of ongoing improvement.

What Does a Continuous Improvement Director Do?

Your job duties as a continuous improvement director revolve around working on process improvement, efficient business activity, and the realization of goals within a business or organization. Your responsibilities include assessing current performance results and coming up with strategies for improvement. You may focus on improving interdepartmental relations, communication between team members, or project management. Employers also expect their continuous improvement director to facilitate training and professional skills development and create a comprehensive strategy for improvement.

What does a Continuous Improvement Director do?

A Continuous Improvement Director leads initiatives to enhance business processes, efficiency, and quality across an organization. They analyze existing workflows, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or other process optimization methodologies. Their role often includes training staff, measuring the impact of changes, and fostering a culture of ongoing improvement. By driving these initiatives, they help organizations achieve better performance, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.
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Continuous Improvement Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Continuous Improvement Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,679 per year, or $67.2 per hour.

Continuous Improvement Director

Solid Rock Recruiting LLC

Mitchell, SD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Director of Operational Excellence

About the Role

The Director of Operational Excellence reports to senior operations leadership and is responsible for driving enterprise-wide continuous improvement, manufacturing engineering, and quality initiatives across multiple production facilities. This role supports operational growth and performance optimization focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost efficiency.

The ideal candidate will bring strong manufacturing leadership experience, preferably within a high-mix, low-volume production environment involving fabricated steel or heavy industrial products.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and support organization-wide continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Direct manufacturing engineering efforts aligned with operational excellence goals.
  • Oversee quality systems and process improvement programs to ensure product excellence.
  • Partner with leadership teams to align improvement initiatives with long-term business strategy.
  • Promote Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement culture across all departments.
  • Mentor and develop CI leaders while driving sustainable Kaizen activities and standardized metrics.
  • Communicate project status, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives to executive leadership.
  • Travel periodically between manufacturing facilities, training events, and benchmarking visits.
  • Manage departmental budgets related to continuous improvement, engineering, and quality functions.
  • Perform additional duties as required.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience.
  • Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise in continuous improvement methodologies, manufacturing engineering, and operational excellence.
  • Strong leadership, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Financial and business acumen with experience using operational metrics to drive decisions.
  • Ability to lead change and influence teams at all levels of the organization.
Preferred Experience
  • Manufacturing operations within a heavy industrial or fabricated products environment.
  • Exposure to welding, metal fabrication, or high-mix/low-volume manufacturing processes preferred.
  • On-site leadership experience in a production environment is required.
Professional Traits
  • Results-driven with a strong sense of accountability.
  • Collaborative team leader with excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Effective communicator with strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop teams.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This role operates primarily within a manufacturing environment and may require standing, walking, climbing, and occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds. Exposure to varying temperatures, industrial noise, dust, fumes, and moving machinery is expected. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Interested? Please apply directly or reach out to Steve Foss at Solid Rock Recruiting at Steve@Solidrockrecruiting.com