Manager, Continuous Improvement

We are Reckitt

​Supply​

About the role

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Leader is a senior-level role responsible for driving operational excellence and cultural transformation across the manufacturing site. Reporting directly to the Site Director and serving as a key member of the Site Leadership Team, this role leads strategic initiatives focused on productivity, quality, safety, and cost optimization. The CI Leader manages a team of three CI Engineers and ensures alignment of improvement projects with site priorities.

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Leader is a senior-level role responsible for driving operational excellence and cultural transformation across the manufacturing site. Reporting directly to the Site Director and serving as a key member of the Site Leadership Team, this role leads strategic initiatives focused on productivity, quality, safety, and cost optimization. The CI Leader manages a team of three CI Engineers and ensures alignment of improvement projects with site priorities.

This role is not currently sponsoring visas or considering international movement at this time.

Your responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the site’s Continuous Improvement roadmap aligned with corporate objectives and operational priorities.
• Team Leadership: Manage and develop a team of three CI Engineers; provide coaching, performance feedback, and career development opportunities.
• Workforce Readiness Assessment: Evaluate the current state of the workforce and determine readiness for Lean and CI initiatives; tailor approach to meet employees where they are.
• Right Tools, Right Time: Introduce CI tools and methodologies in a phased, practical manner following the Reckitt Production System protocols to ensure adoption and sustainability.
• Leadership Team Contribution: Actively participate in site leadership discussions, influencing decisions that impact operational performance and long-term competitiveness.
• Lean Transformation: Champion Lean principles and TPS methodologies to optimize processes, reduce waste, and improve flow throughout the plant.
• Project Management: Lead high-impact Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and other CI projects to achieve measurable improvements in efficiency and cost.
• Capability Building: Train and mentor managers, supervisors, and frontline employees on Lean tools, problem-solving techniques, and CI best practices.
• Performance Metrics: Establish and monitor KPIs for productivity, quality, and cost; ensure accountability for improvement targets.
• Change Management: Drive cultural adoption of CI principles through effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership influence.
• Frontline Engagement: Build strong relationships with hourly employees, ensuring communication is clear, culturally sensitive, and accessible for ESL team members.

The experience we're looking for

The Ideal Candidate brings significant experience in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies, with a strong preference for expertise in the Toyota Production System (TPS). They have the ability to assess workforce readiness, introduce the right tools at the right time, and build trust across all levels of the organization. Success in this role requires exceptional communication skills and the ability to relate to a diverse hourly workforce, including employees for whom English is a second language.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations with a focus on Continuous Improvement.
• Demonstrated success implementing Toyota Production System or similar Lean frameworks in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage direct reports.

Skills:

• Expert knowledge of Lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, SMED, and other applicable RPS-aligned methodologies).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, including ability to engage and motivate a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization.
• Cultural awareness and adaptability to work effectively with employees for whom English is a second language.

Certifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent OR commensurate Continuous Improvement experience.

The skills for success

• Expert knowledge of Lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, SMED, and other applicable RPS-aligned methodologies).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, including ability to engage and motivate a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization.
• Cultural awareness and adaptability to work effectively with employees for whom English is a second language.

Additional Job-Related Information

• Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing plant environment with exposure to noise, temperature changes, and moving machinery.
• Must be able to walk the production floor regularly and engage with frontline employees.

• Occasional travel (up to 10%) for training, benchmarking, or corporate meetings.

• Authority to prioritize CI projects, allocate team resources, and recommend capital investments related to process improvement.

• Achievement of site CI targets, cost savings, productivity improvements, and cultural adoption of Lean principles.

What we offer

US salary ranges

Equality