Director of continuous improvement

MacLean-Fogg is seeking a visionary Director of Continuous Improvement to lead the enterprise-wide deployment of a principle-based Lean operating system grounded in respect for people and continuous improvement. This high-impact role will be responsible for embedding Lean thinking into the DNA of our organization—focusing on strategy alignment, leadership development, cultural adoption, and results-driven execution. The Director will serve as the enterprise steward of Lean, guiding plant leadership teams, CI champions, and frontline employees through a disciplined implementation that supports safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvements across all manufacturing facilities. This is more than a program management role—it's a leadership opportunity to shape how employees think, act, and improve every day.

Job Details

• Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)
• Pay Range: $175,000 - $200,000 per year, plus bonus opportunity
• Work Location: Hybrid - Mundelein, Illinois 60060 or Farmington Hills, Michigan 48335
• Travel: Up to 50%
  
  

Key Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement System and Team Development

• Create the MacLean-Fogg Continuous Improvement System and vision based on UK True Lean and MacLean-Fogg guiding principles.
• Build a centrally led team to mentor, lead, and support the local operations in their continuous improvement journey.
  
  

Continuous Improvement System Deployment

• Serve as the internal subject matter expert and strategic driver of a principle-based Lean operating system across all MacLean-Fogg locations.
• Build and lead a scalable implementation roadmap tailored to each facility’s maturity level and business context.
• Partner with external facilitators and training providers to align internal training, certification pathways, and leader development plans.
  
  

Strategy Execution & Leadership Engagement

• Align Lean deployment with corporate strategic goals.
• Coach General Managers and site leadership teams to adopt and model Lean principles, especially Daily Management, Problem Solving, and Leader Standard Work.
• Lead cross-functional kaizen events and improvement initiatives focused on measurable business outcomes (OEE, throughput, first-pass yield, etc.).
  
  

Change Management & Culture Building

• Design and facilitate Lean leadership development sessions to foster buy-in and ownership from senior leaders to the shop floor.
• Champion a learning culture rooted in respect for people, continuous improvement, and process discipline.
• Establish and lead an internal community of practice for CI champions, engineers, and Lean facilitators.
  
  

Measurement & Governance

• Develop KPIs and dashboards to track Lean maturity and performance improvement across sites.
• Standardize CI tools, templates, and training materials for enterprise use.
• Report regularly to senior leadership on program progress, barriers, and success stories.
  
  

Skills & Competencies

Behavioral

• Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire, coach, and influence at all organizational levels.
• Strong change agent with proven experience shifting culture in complex, decentralized manufacturing environments.
• Relentless problem solver with a hands-on approach to improvement.
• Highly collaborative with a servant-leader mindset and excellent communication skills.
  
  

Technical

• Expert knowledge of Lean principles (Toyota Production System, Daily Management Systems, A3 Thinking, etc.).
• Deep understanding of the University of Kentucky True Lean framework or comparable principle-based Lean systems.
• Strong facilitation skills for Kaizen events, strategy deployment (Hoshin Kanri), and Lean leadership coaching.
• Familiarity with manufacturing KPIs and financial metrics, including cost of quality, inventory turns, and cycle time.
• Proficiency with tools such as VSM, 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, and Root Cause Analysis.
  
  

Qualifications (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, including 5+ years in a dedicated continuous improvement or Lean leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-wide Lean transformation efforts with measurable business impact.
  
  

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or Organizational Leadership.
• Prior experience with the University of Kentucky True Lean program (course completion, certification, or partnership).
• Certified Lean Expert or Black Belt (internal or external certification).
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle J.D. Edwards or similar) and digital manufacturing analytics platforms.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 50% across manufacturing facilities in North America.
• Capable of standing and walking for extended periods on plant floors.
• Occasional lifting of materials and equipment up to 25 lbs during plant visits or kaizen events.
• Standard office duties, including the use of the computer, phone, and presentation equipment.
  
  

About MacLean-Fogg

At MacLean-Fogg, you’ll be part of a global manufacturing leader with a 100-year legacy of innovation and excellence. We partner with some of the world’s most iconic brands to create high-quality fasteners, components, and engineered solutions for industries that shape the future. With the addition of Mallard Manufacturing, we’ve expanded into industry-leading gravity flow solutions for material handling. Here, your ideas and skills will make an impact—driving cutting-edge solutions, advancing sustainability, and helping build a better tomorrow. Join a collaborative team where your contributions matter and your career can thrive.

Why Join MacLean-Fogg?

Benefits

At MacLean-Fogg, we are committed to supporting our employees with a comprehensive benefits package designed to foster growth, well-being, and financial security:

• Competitive Pay & Rewards: Your hard work matters—earn competitive wages with recognition for your contributions.
• Health & Wellness Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, with 100% coverage for preventative care.
• On-Demand Pay with PayActiv: Access your earned wages when you need them—no waiting for payday.
• Future Financial Security: 401(k) with company match and profit-sharing to build long-term financial stability.
• Support for Families: Paid parental leave for all parents during life’s biggest milestones.
• Smart Savings Options: Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to manage healthcare costs.
• Extra Wellness Perks: Tuition reimbursement, wellness equipment rebates, and free professional therapy sessions through Spring Health.
• Life & Accident Insurance: Protection for you and peace of mind for your loved ones.
• Disability Coverage: Income protection when the unexpected happens.
• Exclusive Vehicle Discounts: Save on new vehicles from leading manufacturers.
• Work-Life Balance Benefits: Flexible benefits tailored to your personal and family needs.
• Holiday Appreciation: Receive turkeys and hams to enjoy with your family during the holidays.
• Career Growth & Learning: Free access to LinkedIn Learning plus our Leadership Development Program to sharpen your skills and accelerate your career.
  
  

Diversity & Inclusion at MacLean-Fogg

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 is for compliance with certain record-keeping requirements. MacLean-Fogg is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We actively promote equal opportunity for all applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. Discover more about your Equal Employment Opportunity rights as an applicant. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in our hiring process, please contact [email protected].

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