Continuous Improvement Director Jobs in Appleton, WI

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist leads initiatives that drive operational excellence across manufacturing by applying Lean principles, problem-solving methods, and data-driven decisions to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance. This role partners with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, and ensure long-term process stability. The CI Specialist also participates in Tier 3 performance reviews, analyzes metrics and Pareto data, and translates key trends into structured projects that deliver measurable business results.

SAFETY IS OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY. Safety is our highest priority. We believe a safe workplace is built on mutual respect, care, and accountability. Every team member is empowered and expected to follow safety practices, look out for one another, and speak up about potential risks. Together, we create an environment where everyone goes home safely each day.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

At Wells, youre part of a team that takes pride in building something that lasts. Whether youre in operations, a manufacturing facility, or out in the field, your work plays a direct role in creating quality structures that support our communities. We value hard work, reliability, and teamwork because getting the job done right requires teamwork. With a strong focus on safety, collaboration, and ingenuity, we create an environment where you can build your experience, contribute to meaningful work, and make an impact.

WHAT WE OFFER
Wells provides a competitive benefits package designed to support employees health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid disability and life insurance, wellness incentives, paid holidays, PTO, flexible spending accounts, HSA options, a 401(k) with profit sharing, access to Nice Healthcare, employee assistance resources, pet insurance, and additional voluntary coverage such as critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity plans.

• Health and family care leave is available to both union and non-union employees.
• Union employee benefits are provided through separate collective bargaining agreements

WHAT YOULL DO

• Lead the plants continuous improvement program and promote a culture of operational excellence.
• Participate in Tier 3 meetings to review KPIs, identify trends, and prioritize improvement opportunities.
• Analyze Pareto charts and performance data to identify losses, defects, downtime, and safety concerns.
• Develop, prioritize, and manage CI projects based on data-driven insights.
• Facilitate root cause analysis using tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D, A3, and DMAIC.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Establish project goals, timelines, metrics, and accountability.
• Monitor and report project progress through dashboards and visual management tools.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to drive improvements.
• Conduct process observations, workflow studies, and value stream mapping to identify inefficiencies.
• Develop and maintain standard work to support sustainable improvements.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and employee engagement activities.
• Support Lean Manufacturing principles including 5S, visual management, standard work, and waste elimination.
• Track and validate improvements in productivity, quality, safety, uptime, and efficiency.
• Provide coaching and training on continuous improvement tools and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

WHO WERE LOOKING FOR

The ideal candidate is a data-driven leader with a strong foundation in Lean Manufacturing who can turn operational insights into practical, measurable improvements. They are a collaborative problem-solver who effectively leads cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and drive accountability across all levels of the organization. This individual is highly organized, hands-on, and passionate about building sustainable processes that improve safety, quality, and efficiency.

IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience or technical training considered.
• 35 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, continuous improvement, or a supervisory role preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to analyze operational data, identify trends, and drive actionable insights.
• Experience with Pareto analysis, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes.
• Strong project management, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and familiarity with KPIs and manufacturing performance metrics.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional visits to active plant and field locations are required based on operational needs.
• Ability to wear all required PPE, including but not limited to safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, high visibility vest, hard hat, and other PPE as required while in the plant and field.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and navigate active plant and field environments as needed.
• Must be able to climb stairs, walk on uneven surfaces, and safely move through industrial work areas.
• May be exposed to moving equipment, machinery, and other standard industrial hazards.
• May be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, as well as noise, dust, and vibration.

This profile summarizes key duties and expectations but does not list every possible job task. Employees must follow all job-related instructions and duties assigned by supervisors.

Wells is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Wells participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 Form information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.