Apply on Employer Site

NEXT LEVEL Partners®, LLC · 1 hour ago

Continuous Improvement Manager

Cleveland, OH

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

NEXT LEVEL Partners®, LLC is seeking a hands-on Continuous Improvement leader to drive Lean transformation and operational readiness across existing operations and a new greenfield facility. The role focuses on improving flow, reducing rework and lead time, and enabling sustainable cultural change through collaboration with cross-functional teams.

AerospaceFinanceHealth CareHospitalityIndustrialLogisticsManufacturingRestaurantsRetailTraining

Responsibilities

Lead continuous improvement initiatives at current plant in addition to readiness for a new facility targeted to begin production by June 2027

Champion Lean principles, value stream mapping, flow optimization, and waste reduction with a strong focus on lead time and rework reduction

Facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events involving Engineering, Operations, Quality, and supporting functions

Conduct gap analysis of current processes and systems; define target-state workflows and break implementation into clear, executable steps

Drive ERP (Epicor) optimization by aligning routings, standard hours, and job structures with actual manufacturing processes

Standardize routings and operations to eliminate rework loops, split jobs, manual workarounds, and unnecessary complexity

Improve scheduling accuracy, data integrity, and reporting effectiveness through proper ERP configuration and disciplined process design

Lead the transition from paper-based workflows to digital, paperless processes (approvals, job packets, issue tracking, no-ship controls)

Establish effective shop-floor visual management to ensure correct prioritization of work and rapid identification of issues

Support development of Lean governance, metrics, and scorecards to track facility-wide improvement over time

Coach and educate teams using a collaborative, respectful approach that builds buy-in and long-term sustainability

Serve as a hands-on 'doer,' executing improvement work directly while enabling others to grow and self-serve

Qualification

Continuous ImprovementLean PrinciplesERP OptimizationValue Stream MappingProcess ImprovementMaterial Control PracticesProduction SchedulingHigh Sense of UrgencyLow-Ego/High-ConfidenceSelf-DirectedCollaborationCommunication Skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related technical field

Strong CI/Process improvement experience

Highly collaborative

Strong ERP systems knowledge

Material and inventory control practices and production scheduling

Has, and sets, high expectations for him/herself and the organization; driven by metrics and countermeasures

Ability and passion for a lean operating system culture

Ability to create followership and lead an organization through significant change and improvement

Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to effectively communicate throughout all levels of the organization

Possesses a high sense of urgency

Low‐Ego/High‐Confidence

Is highly autonomous and self‐directed

Company

NEXT LEVEL Partners®, LLC

NEXT LEVEL Partners® is much more than a consulting firm — we’re your partner in creating self-sustaining capability through Business Enterprise Transformation, Knowledge Transfer, and Capability Building.

Founded in 2003