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Continuous Improvement Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC

In partnership with the Director of Operations, they work to manage business performance and continuous improvement with our contract manufacturing partners (outsources). This role involves analyzing ...

Continuous Improvement Manager

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$88K - $118K/yr

In partnership with the Director of Operations, they work to manage business performance and continuous improvement with our contract manufacturing partners (outsources). This role involves analyzing ...

Plant Continuous Improvement Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$76K - $102K/yr

Identify, prioritize and execute continuous improvement activities through standardization and ... Other job duties as assigned by the Facility Manager and CI Director. Skills and Competencies

Identify, prioritize and execute continuous improvement activities through standardization and ... Other job duties as assigned by the Facility Manager and CI Director. Skills and Competencies

Identify, prioritize and execute continuous improvement activities through standardization and ... Other job duties as assigned by the Facility Manager and CI Director. Skills and Competencies

Plant Continuous Improvement Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$76K - $102K/yr

Identify, prioritize and execute continuous improvement activities through standardization and ... Other job duties as assigned by the Facility Manager and CI Director. Skills and Competencies

The Quality Director is responsible for leading the site's Quality Management System (QMS) and ... Continuous Improvement. As the site's senior quality leader, you will partner with Operations ...

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Showing results 1-20

Continuous Improvement Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10.7K

$135.8K

$178.4K

How much do continuous improvement director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for continuous improvement director in Raleigh, NC is $135,779.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,100.00 and $153,100.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Continuous Improvement jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Continuous Improvement jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Continuous Improvement Director jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Continuous Improvement Director jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Continuous Improvement Director jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Continuous Improvement Director jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Continuous Improvement Director jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Continuous Improvement Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Continuous Improvement Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $135,779 per year, or $65.3 per hour.

Continuous Improvement Manager

Xylem

Morrisville, NC

$88K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Xylem rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

295th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Job Profile Summary

The Continuous Improvement Manager Outsourced is a strategic leader responsible for driving the organization's continuous improvement initiatives. In partnership with the Director of Operations, they work to manage business performance and continuous improvement with our contract manufacturing partners (outsources). This role involves analyzing current practices, leading improvement projects, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The manager collaborates with all levels of management to ensure that improvement activities align with the company's goals and objectives. Their leadership is key to sustaining long-term organizational growth and competitiveness.

Job Description

Job Summary:
The Continuous Improvement Manager Outsourced is a strategic leader responsible for driving the organization's continuous improvement initiatives. In partnership with the Director of Operations, they work to manage business performance and continuous improvement with our contract manufacturing partners (outsources). This role involves analyzing current practices, leading improvement projects, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The manager collaborates with all levels of management to ensure that improvement activities align with the company's goals and objectives. Their leadership is key to sustaining long-term organizational growth and competitiveness.


Responsibilities:
Continuous Improvement Strategy:
Conduct analysis of current processes and performance to identify opportunities for improvement
Develop and communicate a clear strategy for implementing continuous improvement initiatives
Establish metrics and targets to measure the success of improvement efforts
Coordinate with cross functional teams to align improvement strategies with overall business objectives
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the continuous improvement strategy and make adjustments as needed
Process Improvement:
Lead process improvement projects and initiatives across departments and functions
Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste
Utilize Lean and other continuous improvement methodologies to drive process improvements
Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities
Monitor and track progress of process improvement projects and provide regular updates to senior management

Lead initiatives to improve SQDPI

Responsible for reporting savings from the Outsourced space

Work with team to maintain a healthy savings project funnel

Conduct VSM/VSA to drive improvement


Employee Development:
Train and mentor employees on continuous improvement methodologies and tools
Foster a culture of continuous improvement by promoting employee involvement and ownership in improvement initiatives
Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees on continuous improvement principles and practices
Recognize and reward employees for their contributions to improvement efforts
Provide coaching and support to employees to help them effectively participate in improvement projects and initiatives.
Team Management:
Lead and manage a team, providing guidance, feedback, and support.
Set goals and KPIs for team members and monitor performance.
Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
Develop and implement training programs to keep team members updated on trends and strategies.
High Impact Behaviors:
Strategic Decision Making: A manager must be able to assess complex situations, consider long-term implications, and make decisions that align with the organization's vision and goals. This involves critical thinking, foresight, and the ability to balance various stakeholders' interests.
Effective Communication: Clear and transparent communication is vital for a manager. This includes articulating vision, expectations, and feedback in a way that motivates and engages team members. It also involves active listening and openness to input from all levels of the organization.
Fostering Team Growth: A high impact manager invests in the development of their team members. This behavior includes mentoring, providing opportunities for professional growth, and creating an environment where continuous learning is encouraged and valued.
Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree in engineering, or a related field with at least 8 years' experience, with at least 2 years' experience as a people manager or equivalent work experience that provides exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts.
Proven track record to applying lean principles in a structured approach to develop culture and competency while delivering sustained results

Experience managing projects to deliver results on time with proper reporting cadence and visual management to monitor performance and address challenges
.Ability to influence and lead without authority
Solid coaching and facilitation skills

Experience reporting up to Executive Leadership

Strong problem-solving skills (A3, 8D, Fishbone, 5Why)

Experience with Goal Deployment Process (GDP)


Preferred Qualifications:
Bi-lingual (Spanish and English)

Ability to travel 20-40% of the time

Located in Morrisville, NC area

The estimated salary range for this position is $125,000 to $135,000 plus bonus.Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.

Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

#LI-TM1

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.

At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.

Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation


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