Continuous Improvement Leader - Rockford Area

Job Description

Job Description

Continuous Improvement Leader | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $89,000 - $135,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling in continuous improvement leader? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Rockford seeking Continuous Improvement Leaders to lead and enhance their operations.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with multiple companies in Rockford seeking experienced Continuous Improvement Leaders. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
• Identify and analyze operational inefficiencies and waste across manufacturing processes.
• Develop and deliver training programs on CI tools and principles to all levels of staff.
• Coach and mentor teams in problem-solving techniques and root cause analysis.
• Establish metrics and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track improvement progress and sustain gains.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices and standardize improved processes.

Recommended Qualifications

• Deep expertise and practical application of Lean manufacturing principles (e.g., Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S) and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Expert certification.
• 5+ years of progressive experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing setting.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Strong leadership and change management skills, with a track record of driving cultural transformation and engaging cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and training skills to mentor teams and foster a CI mindset.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies (e.g., IoT, AI/ML, automation) in a manufacturing context.
• Certification or significant experience in formal Change Management methodologies (e.g., PROSCI, ADKAR).
• Proven ability to integrate Continuous Improvement principles with ERP or MES system optimization.
• Demonstrated experience in developing robust financial business cases for improvement initiatives.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Continuous Improvement Manager, Process Improvement Manager, Operational Excellence Manager, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Business Process Improvement Consultant, CI Lead, Process Optimization Specialist, Efficiency Manager, Performance Improvement Manager, Kaizen Facilitator

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out. The Pivot Group offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.