Continuous Improvement Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager will lead initiatives to drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline across all manufacturing and support processes. This role partners with cross-functional teams leading strategic process improvement initiatives that enhance Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost performance. This position will champion lean principles and structured problem-solving techniques ensuring alignment between site-level improvement initiatives and broader regional operational excellence strategy. This is a highly visible role that relies on leadership and influence rather than direct supervisory responsibility. The role requires a hands-on leader who can both facilitate and execute improvement projects while building capability within the organization. The ideal candidate is passionate about transforming processes, optimizing operations, and using data-driven insights to deliver measurable results.

What You'll Do  

• Develop, lead, and execute the continuous improvement strategy in alignment with business objectives, working closely with leadership and cross-functional teams. Ensure strategies are aligned with operational and regional objectives
• Identify, prioritize, and manage continuous improvement projects that deliver measurable results in operational impact to safety, quality, delivery, and cost while removing barriers to improve process flow
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, root cause analyses, and other structured improvement activities to achieve targeted outcomes
• Partners with all departments including Operations, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Sales and Finance to analyze processes, identify improvement opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress of continuous improvement activities and communicate results and recommendations to site leadership. Being a driver for Daily Visual Management
• Monitor and improve key operational metrics that are linked to business goal results. Demonstrate results through performance measurement and analysis
• Develop dashboards and performance tracking mechanisms to monitor site improvement progress and provide status updates on CI initiatives and activities
• Lead training sessions and workshops to build site-wide capability in Lean and Six Sigma principles, driving engagement and accountability for continuous improvement at all levels
• Serve as subject matter expert in Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving methodologies
• Influence leaders and frontline employees to adopt continuous improvement principles to drive a culture of accountability, data-driven decision making, and waste elimination
• Lead cross-functional improvement projects from concept through implementation and sustainment. Develop project charters, timelines, and measurable success criteria
• Partner with Regional Operational Excellence leaders to deploy standardized tools, systems, and best practices
• Conduct regular reviews and recommend updates and revisions to standard operating procedures, work instructions, and training materials to reflect process improvements
• Support digital transformation and process automation initiatives where applicable
• Ensure compliance with all quality regulations, standards and corporate policies including but not limited to ISO 9001:2015 and AAR M-1003 for assigned department
• Other duties as assigned

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience with demonstrated continuous improvement leadership
• Experience with project management tools and performance tracking systems
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Project required

The Ideal Candidate Will Also Bring

• Demonstrated success implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills with the ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop actionable solutions
• Proven ability to influence without authority and lead cross-functional teams to deliver results in a matrixed manufacturing environment.
• Ability to manage multiple changing priorities, set clear objectives, and drive accountability to meet deadlines and deliver measurable improvements while maintaining a strategic perspective
• Excellent facilitation, coaching and communication skills with the ability to engage and motivate teams at all levels of the organization and external partners
• Knowledge and experience with leading Lean Process Improvements
• Lean certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) preferred
• Demonstrated business acumen, communication skills, and relationship management
• Hands on work ethic with results focus is required

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

• This position is performed in an office environment but will have regular exposure to the manufacturing and warehouse environment. May be exposed to loud operating machinery, cold temperatures, chemicals, and vapors
• May require a combination of sitting, standing, and walking
• May require use of Personal computer, copy machine, other office equipment
• General office environment requiring extended periods of sitting in ambient inside temperature, lighting and noise level
• Must be able to sit, walk, stand reach with hand and arms, stoop, kneel, bend and twist, grasp and manipulate with hands and fingers as needed   
• Lifting generally less than 5lbs.  May occasionally be required to lift up to 25lbs without assistance

#LI-GP1

Midland Manufacturing, part of OPW, a Dover Company is a leader in the rail tank car valves and fittings industry.  Our innovative rail products are manufactured and engineered for the safe and efficient loading, transporting, and unloading of hazardous and non-hazardous bulk products.

For over 125 years, OPW has led the way in designing and manufacturing world-class retail fueling, fluid handling and car wash system solutions for the safe and efficient handling and distribution of fuels and critical fluids. OPW makes above ground and below ground products for both conventional, vapour recovery and clean energy applications in the retail and commercial markets. Additionally, OPW supplies loading arms, valves and dry-break couplings, tank truck equipment, rail car valves and equipment, and car wash systems. OPW has manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, with sales offices around the world. OPW is part of the Dover Corporation, which is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under 'DOV'. To learn more about OPW's 125 years of providing industry-leading solutions, visit our website at www.opwglobal.com.

Dover is a diversified global manufacturer with annual revenue of over $8 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, specialty systems, consumable supplies, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Climate & Sustainability Technologies. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 60 years, our team of approximately 24,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under "DOV." Additional information is available atdovercorporation.com

Work Arrangement:Onsite

Pay Range:$109,794.00  - $131,877.00 Annually 

We consider several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position's responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, a candidate's education/training, the position's location, and the key skills needed for the position.  Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.

Benefits: Benefits for this position include: a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; medical, dental and vision insurance; wellness programs; health savings account, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts; company paid short-term disability and long-term disability; company paid employee basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental employee and dependent life insurance; optional accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance; adoption, surrogacy, and fertility benefits and assistance; commuter benefits; parental, military, jury duty, and bereavement leaves of absence; paid time off, including 10 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation days beginning at 120 hours annually; 40 paid sick leave hours annually or as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws; tuition assistance is available; business travel services; employee discounts; and an employee assistance program that includes company paid counseling sessions and legal services. Eligibility for benefits is governed by applicable plan documents and policies.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact opwaccommodations@acmecryo.com for assistance with an accommodation. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response.

Fraudulent Recruiting Disclaimer: Dover Corporation and our affiliated operating companies want to alert applicants to internet job posting fraud, where parties posing as Dover employees, recruiters, or other agents, try to engage with online candidates in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information. We do not endorse or engage in any recruitment practices that involve payment or personal information outside of our official application and hiring process. Please verify the authenticity of an invitation to apply for a job, or for a job offer by contacting us directly through our Dover and affiliated operating company websites at https://careers.dovercorporation.com/. To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice on our careers site.

Job Function: Quality & Continous Improvement