Director of Continuous Improvement & Quality

SUMMARY

The Director of Continuous Improvement (CI) & Quality plays a pivotal leadership role in driving operational excellence within a durable goods manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives that enhance product quality, streamline manufacturing processes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization. The Director will lead cross-functional teams to identify inefficiencies, implement best practices, and ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements. By leveraging data-driven methodologies and quality management systems, this role aims to reduce waste, improve product reliability, and increase overall customer satisfaction. Ultimately, the Director of CI & Quality will be instrumental in sustaining competitive advantage through innovation, quality assurance, and operational efficiency.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement comprehensive continuous improvement strategies aligned with corporate goals to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
• Lead and mentor a team of quality assurance and continuous improvement professionals to drive performance improvements and foster a culture of accountability.
• Oversee quality management systems (QMS) ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and customer specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, supply chain, and other departments to identify root causes of quality issues and implement corrective actions.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies to analyze workflows, reduce variability, and eliminate waste.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality and operational performance, providing regular reports and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Manage audits, both internal and external, and lead initiatives to address findings and improve audit readiness.

• Drive supplier quality management programs to ensure incoming materials meet required standards and support overall product quality objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement (CI) initiatives across manufacturing and logistics processes, utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, or other industry best practices to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and increase productivity without compromising quality.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) specific to the furniture manufacturing process, tracking metrics like production yield, inventory turnover, lead time, and cost efficiency.
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify and implement improvements across manufacturing, distribution, and customer fulfillment, ensuring alignment with luxury brand standards and customer expectations.
• Develop and standardize operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices across all operational functions to ensure efficiency, consistency, and high product quality.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the organization, fostering collaboration and innovation across teams while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship.
• Manage operational budgets, including cost forecasting, resource allocation, and capital expenditures, while ensuring cost-efficiency without compromising product quality.
• Report on the effectiveness of operational initiatives to senior leadership, offering data-driven insights and recommending areas for improvement.
• Lead change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new processes, tools, or technologies that support operational excellence.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Analytical and problem-solving skills daily to assess manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for guiding teams, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, and presenting findings to executive leadership.
• Expertise in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies enables the Director to design and implement effective process improvements that reduce defects and increase efficiency.
• Proficiency with quality management systems and data analysis tools supports the monitoring of performance metrics and drives data-informed decision-making.
• Negotiation and supplier management skills are applied to ensure that external partners meet stringent quality standards, contributing to the overall success of the manufacturing operation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in operations management, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership or director-level role within the luxury furniture or high-end manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in managing complex manufacturing operations while maintaining a focus on quality and luxury craftsmanship.
• Strong proficiency with MS Office Suite, project management tools, ERP systems, and manufacturing software.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and industry-specific standards.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and root cause analysis.
• Certification as a Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt preferred.