Cornerstone Building Brands, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, is the largest manufacturer of external building products in North America with over $6 billion in annual revenue and an expansive North American footprint that includes almost 20,000 employees, operating in +70 manufacturing facilities, supported by a network of +80 distribution and branch office facilities. We have a broad product offering with a well-regarded brand portfolio including the #1 position in windows, vinyl siding, metal accessories, metal roofing and wall systems, and insulated metal panels. We believe every building we create, and every part of that building, positively contributes to communities where people live, work and play.
The Manager, Continuous Improvement (CI) leads the strategic deployment of the Cornerstone Production System (CPS) across enterprise business functions upstream of Manufacturing and Supply Chain. This role is accountable for driving transformation initiatives, embedding Lean thinking, and developing a culture of operational excellence across commercial and transactional departments. Acting as a change leader and CI expert, the Manager partners with senior and executive leadership to deliver measurable improvements in business performance, customer value, and employee capability.
This role influences multiple business units, functions, and regions, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and standardization of Lean practices across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic CI Leadership
- Lead the deployment of Lean principles, Kaizen methodology, and CPS across commercial and enterprise support functions (e.g., Sales, Finance, Engineering, Customer Service, etc.).
- Align CI initiatives with corporate strategy and drive measurable progress toward annual and long-term performance targets.
- Collaborate with business unit leaders and executives to identify and prioritize transformation opportunities with high business impact.
- Enterprise Transformation
- Oversee CI efforts across multiple sites and departments, ensuring consistent adoption of CPS principles, tools, and behaviors.
- Facilitate strategic planning processes using Lean methodologies to support cost, quality, and service-level improvements.
- Serve as the enterprise change agent to support underperforming areas or high-priority business initiatives.
- Capability Building & Leadership Development
- Design and lead capability development programs for CI Managers, site leaders, and future Lean champions through CPS College™, kaizen facilitation, and structured coaching.
- Build and mentor a high-performing network of Lean facilitators and CI practitioners across the organization.
- Governance & Performance Management
- Develop and execute CI governance frameworks to monitor Lean maturity, audit compliance, and ROI of transformation initiatives.
- Lead monthly reviews of departmental CI Annual Plans, ensuring adherence to goals and providing strategic intervention when necessary.
- Innovation & Best Practice Sharing
- Promote cross-functional and cross-site knowledge sharing of Lean best practices, tools, and success stories.
- Support new product introductions with pre-launch and post-launch Kaizen and process optimization initiatives.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Build strong partnerships with senior stakeholders and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on CI-related decisions.
- Present CI strategies, results, and business cases to leadership teams and corporate forums.
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, Operations, or Engineering discipline) strongly preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience leading Lean and Continuous Improvement efforts across business functions.
- Proven track record of driving enterprise-wide or business-unit-wide transformation and achieving measurable results.
- Deep expertise in Lean principles, Kaizen methodology, and business process reengineering.
- Strong executive presence and ability to influence and communicate with senior leadership.
- Exceptional facilitation, coaching, and change leadership skills.
- Experience working in a matrixed, cross-functional, and global organization preferred.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 75%, including international travel as needed.
This position offers a hybrid work arrangement from either our Calgary or St. Thomas location and requires up to 75% travel, which may include international destinations
This position plays a critical role in advancing Cornerstone’s operational excellence journey and requires a highly motivated, strategic thinker who can inspire others, lead by example, and deliver sustainable results.
Cornerstone Building Brands Canada is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. We will accommodate applicants’ needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.