At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

In a time of unprecedented expansion, we are seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for driving efficiency, optimizing processes and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement throughout Lakeshore. The position requires managing continuous improvement initiatives across the organization, focusing on process optimization, waste reduction and cost savings. The role also requires analyzing current processes using data-driven approaches to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The ideal candidate has at least five years of relevant experience, including enterprise-wide technology deployment expertise and a demonstrated ability to effectively lead and direct others. And we’re here to help you succeed—in 2022 Lakeshore earned its Great Place to Work® Certification™ and is proud to put its associates first. 

A day in the office looks like this: 

• Collaborating with stakeholders at all levels to establish and implement continuous improvement goals aligned with business objectives 
• Providing direction and guidance to various teams, ensuring effective implementation of improvement projects 
• Fostering a collaborative environment via leveraging leadership skills to motivate and inspire team members 
• Monitoring progress, tracking key performance indicators and providing regular updates to senior management 
• Driving the adoption of best practices, methodologies and tools for continuous improvement throughout the organization 
• Ensuring consistency and standardization across functional areas by promoting the use of proven strategies 
• Staying up to date with industry trends and advancements; identifying new improvement opportunities within the organization 
• Conducting training sessions and workshops to educate employees on continuous improvement methodologies and foster a culture of learning and development 
• Acting as a change agent via encouraging employees at all levels to contribute to process optimization efforts 
• Promoting a mindset of continuous improvement and facilitating a supportive environment for innovation 

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or a related field (master's degree preferred) 
• Proven expertise in enterprise-wide technology deployment and understanding of associated challenges and best practices 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data for decision-making and identifying improvement opportunities 
• Excellent project management abilities, including planning, execution and monitoring of improvement initiatives within established timelines and budgets 
• Effective leadership skills, with the ability to direct and motivate teams in various departments 
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities to build relationships, influence stakeholders and facilitate change 
• Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen or Agile 
• Experience conducting training and facilitating workshops on continuous improvement concepts and tools 
• Familiarity with relevant software and tools for process mapping, data analysis and project management 

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $85,000 - $125,000 with an annual bonus of up to 10%
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount on products that make you smarter
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy. INDRLL11