Director, Continuous Improvement (Manufacturing)

Location: Owatonna, Minnesota, with time spent at Viracon and travel to Kalwall Enterprises in Manchester, New Hampshire. Frequent presence in manufacturing environments and work in both office and production settings are required. Travel is up to approximately 30%, including overnight travel averaging one week per month.

Salary: $150,000–$190,000 per year

Company

hirify.global provides architectural building products and services, including architectural glass, windows, curtainwall, storefront and entrance systems, project management and installation services, and high-performance coatings.

What you will do

• Lead the implementation and sustainment of the Apogee Management System across manufacturing facilities.
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, throughput, scrap reduction, machine utilization, and cost.
• Coach leaders, engineers, and operators in continuous improvement, standard work, and structured problem-solving practices.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Safety, HR, and plant leadership to prioritize and execute strategic initiatives.
• Apply Kaizen, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, TPM, SMED, flow optimization, standard work, and visual management.
• Lead change management, track results and cost savings, and build a high-performing Continuous Improvement team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations with demonstrated operational performance improvements.
• Proven experience implementing and sustaining continuous improvement and operational excellence programs.
• Experience leading cultural transformation and cross-functional improvement initiatives across multiple organizational levels.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, analytical problem-solving, leadership, coaching, communication, and facilitation.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds and work in both office and production settings.

Nice to have

• Experience with automation, machine data collection, and AI-enabled manufacturing solutions.
• Experience supporting new product introductions, equipment selection, and capital investment projects.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage for employees and dependents.
• Incentive plans and an employee stock purchase plan with employer match.
• 401(k) with employer contribution and match.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement, employee assistance, wellness, training, and career progression programs.