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Director Of Continuous Improvement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Branex Group

Be Seen First

Director Continuous Improvement

Detroit, MI · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Successful incumbent will be capable of translating business strategy into specific long and short term plans and drive execution through the manufacturing sites. This role will be pivotal in ...

PIP Global

Director, Continuous Improvement

Latham, NY · On-site

The successful candidate will be responsible for cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring operational excellence, and delivering measurable results in efficiency and productivity.

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$11K

$139.7K

$183.5K

How much do director of continuous improvement jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of continuous improvement 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 does a continuous improvement director do?

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 using tools like Lean or Six Sigma. The role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and a focus on measurable results.

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 for a Director of Continuous Improvement are generally higher, often exceeding $100,000 with additional benefits and bonuses.

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

To thrive as a Director of Continuous Improvement, you need expertise in process optimization, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and strong analytical skills, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools, data visualization software, and Lean Six Sigma certifications (such as Black Belt) are commonly required. Exceptional leadership, change management, and communication skills set top performers apart in driving organizational transformation. These capabilities ensure the effective implementation of initiatives that boost efficiency, quality, and sustained competitive advantage.

What does a Director of Continuous Improvement do?

A Director of Continuous Improvement leads initiatives to enhance organizational processes, efficiency, and quality. They analyze existing workflows, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to drive operational excellence. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, measuring results, and fostering a culture of ongoing development and innovation within the organization.

How much does a VP of continuous improvement make?

A Vice President of Continuous Improvement typically earns between $120,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on the industry, company size, and location. Compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, and other benefits, reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of the role.

How does a Director of Continuous Improvement typically collaborate with other departments to drive organizational change?

A Director of Continuous Improvement works closely with various departments—such as operations, quality assurance, and human resources—to identify inefficiencies and implement process enhancements. They often lead cross-functional teams, facilitate workshops, and use data-driven methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma to align goals and drive sustainable improvements. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as the role involves influencing stakeholders and securing buy-in for change initiatives across the organization.

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

AspectDirector Of Continuous ImprovementProcess Improvement Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, often with certifications like Lean, Six Sigma Black BeltUsually holds a bachelor's degree, with Lean or Six Sigma certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in multiple departments, overseeing large-scale initiativesOperational focus within specific teams or processes, implementing improvements
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, healthcare, and large corporationsFound in similar industries, often reporting to a Director or VP

The main difference is that the Director Of Continuous Improvement holds a higher strategic role, overseeing company-wide initiatives, while the Process Improvement Manager focuses on specific process enhancements within teams. Both roles require Lean and Six Sigma expertise but differ in scope and leadership level.

What is a CI director?

A CI (Continuous Improvement) Director is a leadership role responsible for developing and implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity within an organization. They often oversee process improvement initiatives, utilize tools like Lean or Six Sigma, and collaborate across departments to foster a culture of ongoing improvement.
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Director Of Continuous Improvement jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Continuous Improvement job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,679 per year, or $67.2 per hour.

Director of Continuous Improvement

Solid Rock Recruiting LLC

Mitchell, SD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

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