POSITION OVERVIEW

ABOUT THE COMPANY

At RS, we are redefining how the world builds reliable energy infrastructure. We design and manufacture advanced composite utility poles that are lighter, stronger, and longer-lasting than traditional materials such as wood, steel, and concrete. Our poles are engineered for superior performance in the most demanding environments, providing utilities with a durable, low-maintenance, and sustainable solution for a more resilient grid.

With operations in North America and customers across 30+ countries, RS is a leader in grid resilience, driven by our values of Safety, Respect, Resilience, and Teamwork.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We're looking for a Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to lead the advancement of Lean and process excellence across our manufacturing operations. This hands-on role reports directly to the Plant Director and is responsible for setting the CI roadmap, driving plant-wide initiatives, and mentoring teams in Lean practices.

The CI Manager will partner closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to identify, prioritize, and execute projects that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and cost performance.

This role is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a "lead by influence" environment and enjoys combining strategy with hands-on problem-solving.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop and lead the plant's Continuous Improvement strategy to align with corporate goals and the RS Business Maturity Assessment (BMA).
• Act as the primary Lean champion for the facility, promoting a culture of continuous improvement across all levels.
• Facilitate and lead Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, 5S+1, and Gemba walks to improve flow, reduce waste, and enhance quality.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to analyze current processes and implement sustainable improvements using Lean and Six Sigma tools.
• Support data-driven decision making by developing and maintaining KPI dashboards and visual management systems.
• Conduct and track Business Maturity, Layered Process, and QMS audits, ensuring timely corrective actions and closure.
• Collaborate with supervisors and operators to standardize work processes and enhance employee engagement in improvement efforts.
• Provide CI training, coaching, and support to frontline leaders to build internal capability.
• Prepare reports and presentations on CI progress and project outcomes for plant and corporate leadership.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading continuous improvement, Lean, or operational excellence initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead CI projects independently and deliver measurable results.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, SMED, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proven success in data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to influence without direct authority.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with KPI dashboards or visual management systems.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement savings plans with company contributions.
• Employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance.
• Optional additional coverage (life, long-term disability).
• Generous paid time off and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Opportunities for growth and development within a global, forward-thinking company.

Why Join Us?

At RS, you'll be empowered to lead meaningful change in how we manufacture, operate, and continuously improve. As the Continuous Improvement Manager, you'll have the autonomy to identify opportunities, implement impactful solutions, and see measurable results on the floor and beyond.

We value curiosity, problem-solving, and teamwork - and we're committed to creating an environment where every process, and every person, gets better every day.

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