Regional Continuous Improvement Leader

Overview

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

Responsibilities

The Regional Continuous Improvement (CI) Leader is responsible for driving and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations. This role partners with plant, regional, and corporate leadership to improve performance in safety, quality, service, productivity, and cost through the application of Lean, Six Sigma, and ADS operating principles.This position plays a key role in transforming the Continuous Improvement culture across the region by building leadership capability, driving standardization, and embedding disciplined problem-solving and daily management practices. The CI Leader is responsible for moving sites from event-based improvement to sustainable, process-driven performance aligned to the Green Line Operating System (GLOS).The CI Leader collaborates closely with Operations, Safety, Quality, Engineering, Logistics, and Human Resources to ensure alignment and successful implementation of improvement efforts.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Drive Continuous Improvement initiatives that support regional and corporate business objectives
• Partner with plant leadership to improve performance in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost
• Identify performance gaps using data (OEE, scrap, downtime, labor, and service metrics (OTIFNE) and develop action plans to address
• Lead efforts to transform the Continuous Improvement culture across the region by shifting from project-based improvements to disciplined, daily execution and accountability
• Partner with plant leadership to assess CI maturity, identify capability gaps, and develop targeted action plans
• Lead structured problem-solving efforts using root cause analysis tools to eliminate process variation
• Facilitate and coach teams in problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Why and A3
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement efforts
• Support the development, implementation, and sustainment of standard work across operations
• Promote standardization of processes, practices, and tools across facilities
• Drive adoption of Leader Standard Work and daily management systems
• Ensure improvements are sustained through standard work, visual management, and audits
• Coach and develop plant leadership teams in Lean principles, problem solving, standardization, and change management
• Deliver training programs to build CI capability across the region with a focus on scalability
• Implementation of lean principles through the deployment of the ADS Green Line Operating System (GLOS)
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support operational improvements
• Generate reports, lead meetings, and communicate CI progress
• Utilize project management tools to plan and execute initiatives

Job Skills:

• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement concepts
• Effective problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to influence and coach at all levels
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to lead change-management initiatives
• Facilitation and training capability
• Project management skills
• Cross-functional collaboration
• ERP and reporting tools knowledge
• Microsoft Office proficiency

Educational Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment (plastics preferred)
• Experience supporting or leading Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting a Lean or CI transformation

Preferred Experience:

• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations
• Experience advancing Lean maturity and standardization across sites
• Experience coaching and developing leaders

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment including hot and cold conditions
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to bend, twist, and reach
• Travel 50%+ across U.S. and Canada facilities

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Company Benefits:

Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

 Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

*100% paid by ADS.

Why Join ADS?

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development in various locations around the world.

Inclusive and Creative Work Culture: ADS fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to shape industry-leading solutions. We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes to our collective success.

Innovative & Sustainability Focused: Advanced Drainage Systems is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year.

Learn More: https://www.adspipe.com/about-us

EEO Statement

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.