Director, Continuous Improvement
Apogee Enterprises · Owatonna · $150,000–$190,000 (stated in the posting)
Viracon LLCApogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG) is a leading provider of architectural building products and services, as well as high-performance coated materials used in a variety of applications. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, our portfolio of industry-leading products and services includes architectural glass, windows, curtainwall, storefront and entrance systems, integrated project management and installation services, and high-performance coatings that provide protection, innovative design, and enhanced performance. To learn more about our company and brands, visit www.apog.com.
On July 1, 2026, Apogee completed the acquisition of Kalwall Enterprises, a vertically integrated manufacturer of high-performance translucent daylighting solutions, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. Kalwall Enterprises is currently being integrated into the Architectural Glass segment in Apogee. This position is based in Minnesota, with time spent at Viracon in Owatonna, MN and will be expected to travel to Kalwall Enterprises in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Position Summary
The Director of Continuous Improvement (CI) is responsible for leading the deployment and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing operations. This role drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost through operational excellence, structured problem solving, and engineering-based solutions.
Partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Safety, and HR, the Director will identify performance gaps, prioritize improvement initiatives, and build a culture of continuous improvement across manufacturing sites.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead implementation and sustainment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) across manufacturing facilities.
- Drive operational performance improvements in safety, quality, productivity, throughput, scrap reduction, and cost.
- Coach and develop leaders, engineers, and operators in continuous improvement practices, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Partner with plant leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute strategic improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives.
- Utilize Lean and operational excellence tools including Kaizen, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, TPM, SMED, flow optimization, standard work, and visual management.
- Analyze operational data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
- Lead change management efforts to ensure solutions are adopted, sustained, and embedded into daily operations.
- Track and communicate performance results, cost savings, and business impact of improvement initiatives.
- Develop and build a high-performing, promotable Continuous Improvement team.
Technical Leadership
- Provide expertise in manufacturing technologies, including automation, machine data collection, and AI-enabled solutions.
- Lead efforts to improve process capability, yield, machine utilization, throughput, and scrap reduction.
- Support new product introductions, equipment selection, and capital investment projects.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree required, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field is preferred.
Experience
- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations with demonstrated success improving operational performance.
- Proven track record implementing and sustaining continuous improvement and operational excellence programs.
- Experience leading cultural transformation and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple levels of an organization.
- Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologies.
- Demonstrated success leading Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects from concept through sustained results.
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to drive results across all organizational levels.
- Data-driven decision-making and analytical problem-solving capabilities.
- Effective coaching, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Results-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
Travel & Work Environment
- Frequent presence in manufacturing environments.
- Travel up to approximately 30%, including overnight travel averaging one week per month based on project and business needs.
- Ability to work in both office and production settings and lift up to 10 pounds.
Salary Range:
- $150,000 - $190,000
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Our Benefits
We care about and invest in our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and foster professional development. Here is a glimpse of what you can look forward to if you join our team.
Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
Incentive Plans
401(k) with employer contribution and match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Wellness Program
Training and Career Progression
Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.