Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement Manager

Location: Independence, IA
Department: Continuous Improvement
Reports To: General Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to lead and drive quality, performance, and process improvement initiatives across our organization. This role plays a critical part in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, supporting operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standards.

The CI Manager will lead our quality and performance development initiatives and partner closely with department leadership, and champion Lean manufacturing principles throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage continuous improvement initiatives that impact all functional areas

• Research, identify, and implement best-practice improvement measures in collaboration with department leaders

• Oversee and manage the ISO 9001 Quality Management System

• Plan, coordinate, and manage Continuous Improvement projects from concept through implementation

• Promote and embed a culture of continuous improvement and Lean thinking

• Train and support department leadership in Lean manufacturing activities and directives

• Develop, implement, and verify training programs related to quality and process improvement

• Create and implement standard work for new or revised manufacturing processes

• Analyze data and present improvement results and performance metrics to senior management

• Support safety and ergonomic improvement initiatives

• Ensure compliance with all safety policies and procedures

• Supervise and develop team members across departments

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required

• Minimum 10 years of experience in aluminum manufacturing, or

• 5+ years of continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing environment

• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and quality systems

• Experience managing ISO 9001 systems

• Proven leadership and project management skills

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities

• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage competing initiatives

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Technical & Computer Skills

• Comfortable with routine computer operations and in-house manufacturing or ERP software systems

• Ability to analyze and present data using charts, graphs, and performance metrics

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery, noise, and other industrial conditions

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed

• Requires standing, walking, sitting, and hands-on work throughout the day

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the organization

• Collaborative, team-oriented work environment

• Long-term stability with a company committed to continuous improvement
• Full Benefits of health, dental, vision, long and short term disability, PTO and 401k matching

About Pries Enterprises

Pries Enterprises is a family-owned leader in the aluminum extrusion industry with a proud 50-year legacy of quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. For five decades, we have partnered with customers across multiple industries to deliver precision aluminum solutions built on reliability, innovation, and trust.

At Pries Enterprises, we believe our people are our greatest asset. We foster a collaborative, hands-on work environment where innovation and teamwork drive success. Our commitment to operational excellence and ISO 9001 quality standards allows us to continuously improve our processes while maintaining the flexibility and responsiveness of a family-owned business.

Joining Pries Enterprises means becoming part of a stable, growth-oriented organization that values long-term relationships — with both our customers and our employees — and empowers leaders to make a real impact.