Continuous Improvement Manager

Brief Description The Continuous Improvement Manager will work to drive operational excellence across our Minnesota manufacturing facilities. This role will lead the optimization of workflows for high-reliability flexible printed circuits, rigid-flex boards, and flexible heaters. Your primary focus will be to eliminate waste, maximize production yield, and reduce manufacturing lead times while upholding our rigorous quality standards. You will collaborate closely with operations, engineering, and quality teams to foster a robust culture of continuous improvement. The Continuous Improvement Manager reports to the VP of Operations.

Essential Job Duties

• Process Optimization: Analyze workflows within the inner-layer factory, cleanrooms, and assembly lines to improve throughput and reduce cycle times.
• Yield Improvement: Lead data-driven projects to minimize component defects and material handling waste, maximizing production yields.
• Lead formal root cause analysis and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) processes for major yield escapes or customer quality issues.
• Quality & Compliance Alignment: Ensure all continuous improvement initiatives maintain or exceed AS9100, ISO 9001, and IPC Class III compliance standards.
• Value Stream Mapping: Map end-to-end production for mission- and life-critical electronic components to locate and resolve operational bottlenecks.
• Culture & Training: Conduct training and workshops for team leads and operators on Lean manufacturing tools, including 5S, Kanban, and Kaizen

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, or Electrical), Operations Management, or a related technical field.
• Advanced technical degree or Master's Degree in Engineering or Business preferred.

Experience And/or Training

• Minimum of 5 years of process improvement experience, specifically within an electronics, PCB, or high-precision manufacturing environment.

Licenses/Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma, IPC, or related manufacturing certification preferred.

Technology/Equipment

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, statistical analysis software, CAD, and manufacturing data systems.

Travel

• Occasional travel to customers, suppliers, and All Flex facilities may be required.

Additional Skill Set

• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, IPC-6013, IPC-A-600, and applicable customer requirements.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing process control, Lean manufacturing, SPC, PFMEA, control plans, capability analysis, and structured problem solving.

• Proven experience in change management and driving cultural adoption of Lean principles among frontline manufacturing operators and leadership alike

• Experience integrating Ergonomics and Safety (EHS) principles into Lean manufacturing and 5S events.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical projects, manage priorities, and implement improvements in a fast-paced production environment.

• Strong analytical, written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with production employees, technical teams, suppliers, and customers.

We offer a competitive base salary in the $100,000-$120,000 range, based on experience and qualifications, along with annual bonus and profit-sharing opportunities tied to performance.

Beyond pay, our market-leading benefits are designed to support your wellbeing. These include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. We also provide a health savings account with company match, a retirement plan with employer contributions through Vanguard, and access to the Granite Assistance Fund for support when it’s needed most. We value time for rest and personal growth, offering generous paid time off, including volunteer time off and paid holidays.