HireMN compatibility mode is on.Core search, sign-in, and employer claim features remain available. Some richer interactive tools may be limited on this work computer.
IT help
HireMN
Confirmed on employer career site

Director, Continuous Improvement

LocationOwatonna, MN
PayNot listed
Work arrangementOn-site
Job typeFull-time
Before you apply

The essentials, without the noise.

Application requirements and personalized fit, with deeper trust details available when you want them.

How does this job fit you?Turn this job into a personalized decision.

Create a free HireMN profile and compare this job to the pay, location, schedule, experience, and preferences you choose.

PayAdd your target pay
CommuteAdd your location
ScheduleAdd your preferences
ExperienceAdd your experience
RequirementsSee where you match
See how this job fits meNo résumé required to get started.
Verified employer career site
View trust & application details
StatusConfirmed on employer career siteHireMN recently observed this job on a healthy employer-source sync.
SourceVerified employer career site
EmployerEmployer verification unavailable
Pay evidencePay not listed
ApplicationContinue to employer career siteYou’ll complete your application on Kalwall’s hiring system.
Last checked1 hour ago

About the role

Viracon LLC Apogee 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. This is an onsite position. 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.

What you'll do

  • 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 #LI-TV1 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

Benefits

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and foster professional development.

  • 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

What they're looking for

Education 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.

Equal opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer.

HireMN job intelligence

Useful context

14 current Minnesota openings at KalwallAcross 4 listed Minnesota locations in HireMN.

Employer

About Kalwall

View this employer’s profile and Minnesota job listings.

View employer profile
Work at Kalwall?Claim this employer profile to manage your HireMN presence and post jobs directly.Claim this company
Director, Continuous ImprovementOwatonna, MN