A continuous improvement manager is a specialized manager who is in charge of overseeing certain processes and procedures. A typical generalized manager who oversees a static department can be compared to this position. A person in this position performs a variety of tasks. The primary goal is to maintain a high level of performance in existing processes. A secondary, but crucial, function of the manager’s job is to review and refine those processes on a regular basis in order to make further improvements.
Traditional task-oriented work groups, such as Six Sigma teams, have evolved into the role of continuous improvement manager. These groups were formed with the goal of implementing procedural changes that would result in better results. Due to a lack of supervision, the benefits of these procedural changes tended to fade and fizzle out over time. The new procedural systems devolved as a result, re-creating the original problem. As a result, many businesses and corporations have begun to use the continuous improvement manager role to maintain and expand on the outcomes of process improvement projects.
Continuous improvement managers are frequently process experts, but they must also be adept at leveraging the expertise of others to make continuous process improvements. As a result, their pay is comparable to that of other process managers in their fields. The main difference between a process expert and a general process manager is that these managers typically do not have a supervisory role within the company for which they work; instead, a separate staff is usually dedicated to the implementation of the continuous improvement manager’s improvement plans. Depending on their education, experience, and past performance, their pay scale tends to be on the higher end of middle management. Managers are frequently compensated based on performance metrics because process improvement results are usually quantifiable.
Continuous improvement managers are typically well educated, with a bachelor’s degree being the bare minimum. Many of them have advanced degrees, such as a master of business administration (MBA) or other related degrees. Continuous improvement managers must understand the core business and its processes and procedures in order to be effective in their role; as a result, they are typically promoted from within their industry or company.
Prior to becoming a manager, a manager frequently participates in process improvement projects. Continuous improvement managers can be especially useful during difficult times. When companies are having trouble growing profits organically, they may hire improvement managers to boost profits through productivity and innovation.