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Continuous Improvement Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Director of Continuous Improvement is responsible for leading and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. This role requires a strong background in Lean ...

$207K - $242K/yr

The Continuous Improvement Director is a key leadership role responsible for developing, managing, and executing the organization's continuous improvement strategy. This individual will drive ...

This role is critical in driving our Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing strategies across multiple manufacturing and distribution centers in North America. The successful candidate will be ...

May include; • Assess manufacturing operations on current performance opportunities. • Facilitate and oversight of Assembly Continuous Improvement team. • Utilize a core-team multi-disciplinary ...

May include; • Assess manufacturing operations on current performance opportunities. • Facilitate and oversight of Assembly Continuous Improvement team. • Utilize a core-team multi-disciplinary ...

May include; • Assess manufacturing operations on current performance opportunities. • Facilitate and oversight of Assembly Continuous Improvement team. • Utilize a core-team multi-disciplinary ...

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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.
What cities are hiring for Continuous Improvement Director jobs? Cities with the most Continuous Improvement Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Continuous Improvement jobs? The most popular types of Continuous Improvement jobs are:
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What states have the most Continuous Improvement Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Continuous Improvement Director jobs include:
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.
Director, Continuous Improvement

Director, Continuous Improvement

Barry-Wehmiller Companies

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Us:
BW Design Group is a fully integrated architecture, engineering, construction, system integration, and consulting firm committed to helping our clients realize their most critical goals from Strategy to Commercialization. As the only firm born from a manufacturing technology company to become an independent and fully integrated firm, we combine deep domain expertise in the manufacturing environment with an approach that is built to serve the dynamic needs of our clients. Rooted in our distinct culture of Truly Human Leadership, we cultivate the leaders who will define tomorrow and partner with our clients in the food & beverage, life sciences, industrial, and advanced technology industries to build the future of manufacturing and technology.
Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.
Job Description:
The Continuous Improvement Leader is a strategic role responsible for establishing, leading, and sustaining BW Design Group's enterprise-wide continuous improvement program. This position will drive sustainable and measurable outcomes by embedding continuous improvement principles throughout the organization, supporting the delivery of our long-term Strategic Plan, as well as near-term performance objectives, with emphasis on Operational Excellence.
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
You'll report to the Chief Operating Officer and be an integral part of building the future growth of BW Design Group. You'll work closely with the Transformation Director, Head Office Leadership Team, and Operational Leaders across the firm, playing a pivotal role in shaping and realizing the potential of a firm with a 30-year track record of impressive organic growth and an unmatched value proposition. This role benefits significantly from in-person collaboration with leaders at our head office in St. Louis, making this the preferred location for interested candidates.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Strategic Leadership & Program Development
  • Establish and lead BW Design Group's continuous improvement program, providing organizational focus to drive sustainable and measurable operational outcomes
  • Define the continuous improvement framework, methodologies, and tools for BW Design Group, aligning with the organization's goal to deliver a world-class client experience. Emphasize leveraging current technology and leading with Artificial Intelligence
  • Develop multi-year roadmap for continuous improvement initiatives prioritizing high-impact opportunities across Commercial Excellence, Operational Excellence, People Excellence and Head Office processes

Process Improvement & Optimization
  • Lead cross-functional improvement projects targeting project financial performance, productivity, and team member fulfillment
  • Identify and eliminate process inefficiencies, redundancies, and waste across all business operations

Change Management & Organizational Adoption
  • Build organizational capability in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.), aligned with our people-first culture
  • Lead change management efforts to drive adoption of standardized processes and best practices
  • Facilitate cross-functional workshops and Kaizen events to solve operational challenges
  • Develop and deliver training programs to build continuous improvement competencies throughout the organization
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Partner with Practice, Region, Market Sector, and Head Office leadership teams to understand business-specific challenges and opportunities
  • Collaborate with leaders to deploy improvements locally, while maintaining enterprise standards
  • Work closely with Technology/IT teams to leverage system capabilities (IFS ERP) for process automation and efficiency gains
  • Engage with Project Managers, Project Executives, and delivery teams to ensure accountability for process compliance
  • Provide regular reporting to Executive Leadership on improvement initiatives, outcomes, and ROI

WHAT YOU'LL BRING
  • Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
  • 8+ years of experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in professional services, AEC, consulting, or manufacturing environments
  • Proven track record implementing and sustaining process improvement programs that deliver measurable business results
  • Demonstrated passion for leveraging technology to drive operational improvements, with specific experience implementing AI, automation, or intelligent systems
  • High learning agility with demonstrated ability to quickly master new concepts, technologies, and methodologies
  • Strong financial acumen to articulate link between operational plans and financial metrics and with ability to analyze data related to business objectives with a full understanding of P&L impact
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to use data to drive decisions
  • Excellent project management skills with ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills for all organizational levels
  • Experience with change management principles and organizational development
  • Proficiency with process mapping, value stream analysis, and improvement tools

#LI-AK1
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
Company:
Design Group