Director of continuous improvement

Comfort starts with our 10,000+ team members across the globe, who are transforming the power of comfort every day. Our employees have the power to change lives, in our homes, work and communities. We foster an inclusive environment while honoring a legacy built on family, where everyone can be themselves.


If you are ready to join an industry leading organization where our people are the most important asset, and innovation propels us into the future, you’re ready to take your seat at La-Z-Boy Incorporated.


WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF COMFORT

Job Summary:

Manages the Continuous Improvement aspect of TranZform, directing Focused Improvement Teams (FIT) to realize significant operational savings through the elimination of waste throughout the Supply Chain, including all manufacturing sites, supply centers, RDC’s and R&D.

Job Description:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

• Lead the Continuous Improvement Engineers and site Continuous Improvement Managers in their efforts to reduce waste and drive cost reductions of more than $10 million per year.
• Ensures each site CI Manager executes a comprehensive three-year savings plan targeted to exceed expected cost reduction targets for the supply chain.
• Ensure each Continuous Improvement Engineer leads multiple Kaizen Events/FIT projects to meet/exceed expected savings goals.
• Function as a liaison between Operations, Research and Development and Comfort Care concerning product quality and design to ensure efficient production methods are feasible and that customer quality expectations can always be met.
• Monitor and assess CI progress throughout the division using key metrics such as Cost of Quality, Cost/EU, OEE, Number of Completed Kaizen Events, Kaizen Savings, etc.
• Conducts routine CI Managers calls and meetings to develop team, lead consistent progress, benchmark, and share best practices across the company.
• Develops and delivers Lean Training at all levels of the organization while driving Center of Excellence standards and layouts creating best practices across the Supply Chain
• Investigate and recommend new manufacturing methods, machinery, and equipment to increase productivity, reduce waste and reduce cost.
• Collaborate with production managers and time study personnel to improve manufacturing processes. Represent manufacturing during project/product kick-off meetings providing input on design concepts.
• Apply statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements vs. capabilities.

SCOPE & IMPACT:

This role leads the Supply Chain organization’s continuous improvement efforts by deploying Continuous Improvement Engineers to execute Kaizen and FIT events and by leveraging the site Continuous Improvement Managers to generate on going CI opportunities. Implements the elements of TranZform to create a robust Continuous Improvement culture that is focused on leadership understanding the needs of the front-line teams and taking appropriate action to address those needs. Is the subject matter expert for all Principals and Elements within TranZform (the La-Z-Boy Production System). Responsible for delivering annual cost savings through Kaizen and F.I.T. events in excess of $10 million.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field with 15+ years of experience including 10+ years of supervisory/leadership experience or equivalent.
• Must have an expert level understanding of process improvement tools such as Kaizen, Six sigma, 5-S, VSM, and project management.
  • Firsthand Kaizen experience is a must.
• Demonstrated experience changing the culture of a large organization.
• Travel Required: 50% to 70%

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in engineering or related field
• Six Sigma Certification
• ASQ Certification

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: up to 5 direct reports and 10 indirect reports

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Ability to spend significant time on your feet, monitoring and assessing waste on the shop floor.

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional Job Description:

Weekly Hours:

40

Benefits for Employees in the US:

Benefit offerings to employee and their families include: Medical, Vision, Dental and Basic Life Insurance available 401k retirement plan with company match of up to 6%. Paid time off includes: 9-11 paid holidays each year, two weeks’ prorated vacation as a new hire and either personal time (non-exempt only) or state mandated sick time.

More information can be found via: 2025 La-Z-Boy Benefits Overview

At La-Z-Boy Incorporated, we're an equal opportunity employer. We understand that our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to our ability to create and deliver the best possible service, quality products, and is of upmost importance as we work together to build comfort . All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We are committed to fostering an environment in which all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and bring great ideas to the table. If you are a qualified individual that may need a change or adjustment to the application/interviewing/hiring process as a result of your disability, you may request a reasonable accommodations by emailing our recruiting team at [email protected] or by calling 734-242-1444.