Continuous Improvement Manager

Headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, MacLean Power Systems (MPS) is a leading manufacturer of mission-critical and engineered components for the electric utility, telecommunications, and civil markets. Established in 1986 as a subsidiary of a larger parent company, MPS has grown substantially and now operates as a standalone company. A dedicated workforce of over 2,000 team members worldwide, MPS is renowned for its commitment to quality, responsiveness, and safety. Our focus on vertical integration ensures the highest standards across our product lines. We operate seventeen production facilities across North America and continually invest in our manufacturing capabilities to better serve our customers.

At MPS, we strive to create a workplace that embodies respect, openness, collaboration, personal growth, and entrepreneurship. We are committed to achieving excellence in Environmental, Health & Safety through our Mission Zero initiative.

ITEC (a MacLean Power Systems Company) in Monroe, North Carolina, has an exciting opportunity for a Continuous Improvement Manager. This is a key position in the plant that leads the development, implementation, and sustainment of continuous improvement SPQDC initiatives within a manufacturing environment. This role applies Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies to implement measurable improvements in operational performance, waste reduction, and labor efficiency savings.

The CI Manager ensures disciplined execution of improvement projects through structured problem-solving, statistical analysis, formal documentation practices, and robust change management frameworks, while proactively assessing risks, dependencies, and organizational impacts.

This role is Onsite in Monroe, North Carolina

What You'll Do

• Establish and deploy standardized Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, A3, Line Balancing) across plant operations.
• Drive identification, prioritization, and execution of improvement opportunities aligned to business strategy.
• Ensure consistent application of waste elimination, One Piece Flow optimization, and variation reduction principles.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across all functional areas in cooperation with Safety and Quality.
• Lead data-driven analysis using statistical tools (e.g., Pareto, regression, control charts, and capability analysis).
• Translate operational data into actionable insights to identify root causes and systemic issues.
• Validate improvements through quantified performance metrics (COPQ, yield, cycle time, OEE, defect rates).
• Ensure sustainability through ongoing data monitoring and control plans.
• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives from charter through implementation and benefit realization.
• Develop detailed project plans, including: Scope definition. Baseline performance analysis. Milestones and deliverables and Resource planning, e.g. A3, Asana, etc.
• Track and report progress against KPIs, ensuring on-time, measurable deliverables.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of manufacturing and business processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and risks, e.g. Visio, Process Mapping, Value Stream Mapping.
• Evaluate process performance relative to: Quality standards, Throughput and capacity and Cost and waste
• Recommend improvements impacting layout, material flow, automation, and equipment utilization.
• Ensure all CI activities are fully documented, standardized, and aligned with ISO requirements (e.g., controlled procedures, work instructions, control plans).
• Conduct formal risk assessments (e.g., FMEA, risk matrices) for all major process changes and improvement initiatives while integrating risk-based thinking into all CI initiatives.
• Evaluate impacts across: Safety and environmental compliance, Quality and customer requirements, and Operational continuity and capacity
• Lead and coach CI practitioners and cross-functional teams in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Provide training on: Structured problem solving, Data analysis techniques, and Standard work and process discipline

What You'll Need to Excel in This Role

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Quality, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies
• Strong experience in data analysis and statistical tools
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional improvement projects
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001 systems and risk-based thinking

Competencies/Skills

• Analytical Rigor: Strong statistical and data-driven decision-making capability
• Project Leadership: Ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives
• Change Leadership: Effective in driving adoption and managing organizational change
• Risk Awareness: Proactive identification and mitigation of operational risks
• Communication: Clear, structured communication with all levels of the organization
• Coaching & Development: Builds CI capability across teams
• Advanced Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis: Expert-level application of structured problem-solving tools, including A3 thinking, 5-Why analysis, Ishikawa (Fishbone) diagrams.
• Structured Change Management & Improvement Methodologies: Demonstrated expertise in applying structured continuous improvement and change management frameworks, such as PDCA, DMAIC, DFSS, Kaizen, etc.

Total Rewards Offering:

ITEC (a MacLean Power Systems Company) offers a competitive compensation package; including a bonus potential based on company performance and a dynamic work environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and professional growth. A comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision, 401k with employer match, employer-paid disability and more...

For Us, For Family. Surround yourself with fun, energetic, and hard-working professionals who are dedicated to achieving Mission Zero; zero safety or environmental incidents.

EOE-Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

Various agencies of the United States Government require employers to maintain information on applicants pertaining to factors such as race, sex, and type of position for which an individual applies. The information requested is voluntary and for compliance with certain record keeping requirements. MacLean Power, LLC has a long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity for all its associates and applicants for employment. MacLean Power, LLC believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants for employment because of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other protected group status. All job offers are conditional, upon successful completion of pre-employment screening, including criminal checks, drug testing, employment, and education verification.