Glidewell Dental
Sr. Continuous Improvement Manager
2181 DuPont Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
On-site · Full-time · $106k–$150k (as posted)
First seen by offpeak October 5, 2026
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Essential Functions:
- Leads moderately complex, cross-functional improvement initiatives aligned with organizational priorities, applying DMAIC, Lean, and structured problem-solving methodologies to optimize processes, redesign workflows, standardize operations, and sustain results.
- Supports the development and implementation of management systems, operational standards, and process improvements that improve performance visibility, accountability, and execution consistency.
- Applies Lean Six Sigma, statistical analysis, process observation, and structured problem-solving methods to identify process variation, inefficiencies, constraints, and root causes; evaluate solutions; and drive measurable improvements in productivity, quality, customer experience, lead time, and scalability.
- Facilitates Kaizen events, workshops, and continuous improvement activities.
- Develops project charters, business cases, implementation plans, and operational updates for improvement initiatives.
- Quantifies, validates, tracks, and communicates the operational and financial impact of improvement initiatives including productivity, labor, capacity, quality, cost, inventory, and lead-time improvements.
- Develops control plans, performance measures, standard work, and management routines to sustain improvements and prevent regression.
- Coaches leaders, project teams, and developing CI practitioners in structured problem solving, Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, project execution, and change management.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives and sustainable business results.
- Serves as a continuous improvement resource to leaders and teams in the application of Lean, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
Special Requirements/Certification:
- Six Sigma Black Belt Certification from ASQ or a recognized equivalent organization preferred; demonstrated Black Belt-level project experience required.
- Shingo Institute or equivalent Operational Excellence training preferred.
- PMI PMP Certification preferred.
- Lean or Operational Excellence certification preferred.
Communication Skills:
- Strong verbal, written, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to communicate complex operational ad analytical concepts across organizational levels.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build alignment, support change adoption, and drive accountability without direct authority.
- Ability to provide constructive feedback and communicate effectively in a multicultural business environment.
- Proficient English verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, and process improvement methodologies.
- Working knowledge of statistical analysis techniques used in process improvement, including descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, regression, ANOVA, statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability, and measurement system analysis (MSA).
- Ability to analyze large and moderately complex operational datasets, identify patterns and sources of variation, develop hypotheses, and translate analytical findings into actionable business recommendations.
- Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) and other advanced analytical techniques preferred.
- Ability to select and apply appropriate analytical and problem-solving tools based on the nature and complexity of the business problem.
- Demonstrated ability to lead change across functions, influence stakeholders without direct authority, overcome resistance, and establish ownership for sustained process improvements.
- Advanced ability to assess end-to-end processes using tools such as process mapping, value stream mapping, capacity analysis, bottleneck/constraint analysis, root cause analysis, and waste identification.
- Strong understanding of Daily Management Systems, KPI management, Leader Standard Work, Visual Management, and structured problem solving.
- Strong analytical, systems-thinking, and organizational assessment capability.
- Strong business and financial acumen, including the ability to quantify operational and financial impact and develop credible business for improvement opportunities.
Pay Range: $106,000 to $150,000/yr