An established, fast-growing global organization is seeking a Senior Director of Continuous Improvement to lead transformative operational initiatives across all business units. The ideal candidate will bring a strong engineering background, proven supervisory experience, and a passion for driving efficiency, collaboration, and sustainable performance through data-driven strategies and industry best practices.
Role Overview
This leadership position is responsible for reengineering business processes and implementing tools that foster a high-performing, cross-functional, customer-centric culture. The role will work closely with various departmental leaders, guiding project execution with a dotted-line supervisory relationship to multiple project managers.
The primary mandate is to optimize end-to-end business operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and embed a culture of continuous improvement aligned with the organization's strategic direction.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence
- Design and execute a company-wide strategy focused on the optimization of people, processes, and technology.
- Champion continuous improvement methodologies including Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile frameworks.
- Standardize and scale processes across departments to improve performance and efficiency.
Supervisory Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Provide matrixed leadership to project managers and departmental leads.
- Cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, and results-driven execution.
- Break down organizational silos by promoting cross-department collaboration and customer-focused solutions.
- Coach and mentor staff to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and best practices.
Project Execution & Customer-Centric Delivery
- Align continuous improvement initiatives with the needs of both internal and external stakeholders.
- Establish KPIs and performance metrics to evaluate process improvements.
- Conduct root cause analyses to identify and resolve operational bottlenecks.
- Lead implementation of automation tools and digital technologies to streamline operations.
Change Management & Internal Communication
- Develop structured change management strategies to support adoption of new processes and systems.
- Communicate project updates, roadblocks, and successes to senior leadership.
- Facilitate training sessions and workshops to build internal capabilities in continuous improvement methodologies.
Qualifications & Experience
Supervisory Scope
- Functional oversight of four direct or matrixed reports.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, or Process preferred); advanced degree is an asset.
Preferred Experience
- 10+ years in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or business process reengineering.
- Strong background in matrix leadership and team development.
- Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is highly desirable.
Key Skills
- Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), and Agile project methodologies.
- Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional improvement initiatives and digital transformation.
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning capabilities.
- Advanced communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proficiency with project management platforms (e.g., Smartsheet) is a plus.
Other Requirements
- Travel may be required (approximately 5-10%).
Why Apply?
- Join a dynamic and growth-oriented organization on a global trajectory.
- Lead transformative efforts that directly impact operational success.
- Collaborate with a forward-thinking leadership team committed to excellence.
- Competitive compensation and development opportunities in a fast-evolving industry.