Continuous Improvement Manager

We're looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager who thrives on turning good processes into great ones. In this role, you won't just analyze problems, you'll lead cross-functional teams to eliminate waste, streamline production, and deliver measurable performance gains across our Fabrication and Assembly operations. You'll champion Lean manufacturing, redesign workflows, implement pull systems, and develop data-driven improvements that directly impact productivity, cost, and quality.

Self.Made. at RK

At RK, Self. Made. isn't a tagline, it's how work gets done. People here build more than projects; they build capability, confidence, and careers they can be proud of. With so much work designed and fabricated in-house, ideas move quickly from concept to shop floor to job site. Teams collaborate across disciplines, solve real-world challenges, and grow through hands-on work that truly matters

RK Company Overview

RK Industries is a second-generation family-owned company led by brothers Rick and Jon Kinning. With seven specialized business units working together, we deliver construction, fabrication, manufacturing, and building services with a focus on safety, quality, and craftsmanship.

People join RK for the craftsmanship, complexity, and the ability to make a real impact. Our in-house capabilities mean employees see their ideas become real solutions, creating meaningful collaboration and clear visibility into how work gets built. Growth happens through challenging projects, mentorship from experienced builders, and opportunities that stretch your skill set.

With RK University, accredited apprenticeships, competitive benefits, and deep community investment, RK offers the stability of a family-owned company with the opportunity and momentum of an industry leader.

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement Manager will monitor and optimize production processes, reduce waste, and improve overall performance within an organization. They will evaluate, implement, and monitor processes and operating systems in Fabrication and Assembly. The Continuous Improvement Manager leads the initiative to continuously develop a Lean system approach to production and materials focused on eliminating waste.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams through high-impact projects from inception to implementation, ensuring results are measurable and sustained
• Interact with production personnel to design and solve prefabrication/design issues and implement cost reduction ideas regarding our products.
• Implement resolutions to improve and refine existing and new processes in a production environment.
• Perform time studies with the intent of balancing standard work in fabrication and on the assembly line
• Leads problem solving efforts using tools such as 5 why and Fishbone
• Redesign workflows to eliminate bottlenecks, interruptions, and "clots" so work moves seamlessly through the system.
• Implement Pull based material replenishment systems
• Develop facility layouts, line design, process, and material flows.
• Develop and coordinate data collection, and report on production performance, efforts to improve performance, and maintenance of higher levels of performance.
• Develop, implement, and sustain processes and procedures that address inefficiencies using Lean tools.
• Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress and report the financial impact of improvements to senior leadership.
• Educate staff at all levels on lean principles and methodologies to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Apply diversified knowledge of applicable principles and practices to a broad variety of assignments.
• Make decisions independently regarding complexities and methods.
• Supervise and issue guidance related largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters.
• Liaise with groups within and outside of his/her/their organization with responsibility to act independently regarding matters pertaining to his/her function.
• Maintain the quality of processes and products to the company's standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, Operations Management or other related fields is required.
• Proficiency in Kaizen, PDCA, Kanban, 5S, and Visual Management is mandatory.
• Strong leadership, influencing without direct authority, and change management expertise to overcome resistance to new processes.
• Requires the use of advanced techniques and knowledge within his/her/their function.

What Sets RK Industries Apart

• Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental

• Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition

• Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards

• Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation

• Development: Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis