Continuous Improvement Manager – Centralia, MO

Job Overview

The Continuous Improvement Manager will lead the development, execution, and sustainment of Lean initiatives across the Centralia campus supporting both Lineman Tools & Equipment and Civil & Construction product lines. This role will work closely with Operations, Materials, Engineering, Maintenance, and Supervisors to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost through structured problem-solving and process optimization. The position is responsible for building a strong CI culture, developing standard work, supporting model areas, and driving measurable improvements aligned with Hubbell Manufacturing System (HMS) expectations.

A Day In The Life

Continuous Improvement Leadership

• Lead Lean and CI strategy development across all three factories on the Centralia campus.
• Identify, prioritize, and manage improvement projects tied to plant goals (safety, quality, output, overtime, cost, and inventory).
• Establish and maintain CI standards, templates, tools, and documentation for use across departments.
• Teach and coach the organization on Lean principles including 5S, VSM, standard work, visual management, and problem-solving.

Program Development & Sustainment

• Build and sustain model areas, including 5S, red-tag programs, min/max systems, and visual factory displays.
• Partner with department leaders to create and maintain standard work in all production areas.
• Facilitate kaizen events, root-cause investigations, and cross-functional workshops.
• Develop and manage CI metrics, ensuring performance is tracked, reviewed, and communicated clearly.

Operational Support & Coaching

• Support Operations and Materials teams by evaluating flow constraints, capacity gaps, waste, and bottlenecks.
• Coach supervisors and leads on daily management practices, tier boards, and continuous improvement behaviors.
• Provide data analysis, time studies, and process mapping to support improvement recommendations.
• Assist in planning equipment layout improvements, process changes, and workflow redesign.

Training & Cultural Development

• Partner with the Training Supervisor to ensure new employees learn core Lean concepts as part of onboarding.
• Develop training materials, workshops, and hands-on exercises that strengthen CI knowledge throughout the plant.
• Support employee engagement through problem-solving coaching, suggestion systems, and recognition of improvement wins.

Expected Outcomes

• Stronger daily management routines with clear visibility to performance at the department level.
• Measurable improvements in safety, quality, output, overtime, and material flow.
• Reduced waste and improved efficiency through standard work and visual management.
• Sustainable 5S and model areas that set expectations for plant-wide performance.
• Increased engagement from supervisors, leads, and operators in problem-solving and continuous improvement.

What will help you thrive in this role?

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• 3–5 years of manufacturing experience, with demonstrated background in Lean or continuous improvement.
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills; able to lead cross-functional teams through change.
• Proven ability to implement CI tools (5S, standard work, kaizen, A3, root-cause problem solving).
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive decisions.
• Experience working with Operations, Materials, Engineering, or Maintenance teams.
• CI/Lean certification preferred (HMS, Six Sigma, or equivalent).

Hubbell Incorporated

Hubbell creates critical infrastructure solutions that power our customers, communities, people and the planet. Our company is strategically aligned around enabling grid modernization and electrification. As more products plug in to an aging grid, Hubbell solutions enable the transition to a more reliable, resilient and efficient energy infrastructure. Founded in 1888 our innovation has made us a leading global manufacturer of high quality electrical and utility solutions enabling customers to operate critical infrastructure reliably and efficiently.

The company operates in two segments. Hubbell Utility Solutions (HUS) enable the grid to conduct, communicate and control energy across utility applications and Hubbell Electrical Solutions (HES) are essential to managing power across a wide range of industries and applications. Our vertical market solutions can be applied to markets including Data Centers, Renewables, Commercial Buildings, Industrial, Telecom and Transportation. Supporting both of our business segments is our corporate and Hubbell Unified Business Solutions teams that provide consistent process, tools technologies across our businesses.

We are committed to operating sustainably and ethically while promoting an inclusive and supportive culture for our people to grow and develop in their careers. Our employees proudly work and serve our communities from our headquarters in Shelton, CT, across the United States and around the globe.

Hubbell Utility Solutions

Hubbell Utility Solutions (HUS) enable the grid to conduct, communicate and control…