Machine Solutions is the premier provider of advanced equipment and services for the medical device, biopharmaceutical, and blood- and plasma-collection industries. We support our customers’ needs and growth by delivering quality and value through a wide breadth of products. Machine Solutions provides proprietary mechanical solutions to a variety of complex process, testing and device design challenges. Our equipment has become the industry standard for stent crimping, balloon catheter pleating and folding, catheter braiding and medical device manufacturing applications. As a pioneer in radio frequency technology, the company has continued to develop advancing technology for thermal forming, molding and welding plastic for medical manufacturing, biopharmaceutical, and blood- and plasma-processing applications. Our experienced team of engineers has been instrumental in automating manual processes that enable our customers to increase production volumes and profit margins, and we believe in providing a superior customer experience by designating resources to a dedicated aftermarket team that is always ready to provide technical service and process support. Machine Solutions is privately owned by BW Forsyth Partners, a Barry-Wehmiller company.

BW Forsyth Partners is the investment arm of multibillion-dollar global manufacturing and engineering consulting firm Barry-Wehmiller. Established in 2009, BW Forsyth Partners blends Barry-Wehmiller’s unparalleled legacy of value creation and people-centric culture development with keen investing experience to help companies realize their true potential. With a focus limited to areas known well, BW Forsyth Partners seeks to partner with leadership teams to acquire small- to middle-market companies in the capital and component equipment, and professional services sectors. In each of our operating companies, BW Forsyth Partners deploys operational improvements and strategy development without compromising the autonomy, strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit of their leadership teams.

Job Description:

Director of Continuous Improvement & Quality

Machine Solutions – Global Manufacturing Operations
Full-Time | Approx. 50% Travel (Domestic & International)

Machine Solutions is a leading provider of specialized equipment used in the production of life-changing medical devices. As we continue to grow across multiple manufacturing sites worldwide, we are seeking a hands-on, high-impact Director of Continuous Improvement & Quality to elevate operational excellence and quality performance across our network.

This role is ideal for a leader who thrives as both a strategic thinker and a player/coach—someone who can build structure where needed, optimize mature systems, and personally lead improvement efforts that deliver measurable results.

About the Role

The Director of Continuous Improvement & Quality is responsible for shaping and driving the company-wide CI and Quality strategy while directly supporting sites at varying levels of maturity. This leader will embed Lean and Six Sigma practices into daily operations, strengthen and harmonize Quality Management Systems (QMS), and build capability across a diverse global footprint.

With limited dedicated CI resources at some locations, you won’t just guide the work—you’ll roll up your sleeves and lead key projects, mentor site teams, and ensure sustainable processes that improve cost, efficiency, throughput, and product quality. Several Machine Solutions sites maintain ISO 9001 certification, and select product lines are subject to FDA Class II requirements—making this a critical role in both operational excellence and compliance.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute a pragmatic CI and Quality strategy aligned with business objectives and the unique maturity of each site.
• Serve as both a strategic leader and hands-on practitioner of Lean, Six Sigma, and quality methodologies.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, discipline, and accountability across all levels of the organization.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Service teams to drive alignment and execution.
• Work closely with site leaders to integrate CI and QMS priorities into operational plans, KPIs, and performance expectations.

Continuous Improvement (CI) Execution

• Act as the primary CI resource for sites lacking dedicated support—personally leading kaizen events, value stream mapping, and process optimization.
• Coach site leaders and emerging CI practitioners on Lean and Six Sigma tools to drive sustainable business results.
• Standardize CI frameworks, visual management tools, and performance metrics across all manufacturing locations.
• Manage a portfolio of improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, margin expansion, throughput optimization, and enhanced customer responsiveness.
• Partner with Engineering to champion Design for Excellence (DfX)—including DFM, DFR, and cost-related design considerations.
• Build organizational CI capability through structured training, mentoring, and certification programs (e.g., Green Belt).

Quality Management Leadership

• Lead development, implementation, and continuous improvement of QMS processes in alignment with ISO 9001 and applicable FDA expectations.
• Strengthen quality programs at sites with emerging or informal systems, ensuring consistency and network-wide reliability.
• Oversee quality planning and risk management using FMEA, Control Plans, APQP, and related methodologies.
• Coach teams on core quality tools including fishbone diagrams, SPC, root cause analysis, and corrective action methods.
• Lead internal and supplier audits; support management reviews and ensure robust corrective and preventive action processes.
• Monitor and report key Quality KPIs such as customer complaints, warranty claims, nonconformances, and audit performance—using insights to drive prioritization and action.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to embed quality into product design and every stage of the manufacturing process.

Team Development & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a distributed CI and Quality team, developing talent at sites with varying capability levels.
• Provide functional coaching and leadership to locations without formal CI or QA resources.
• Drive network-wide adoption of best practices through standardized processes, shared tools, and common metrics.
• Build organizational understanding of Lean and Quality principles to create a self-sustaining improvement culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (Master’s or MBA strongly preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience with deep focus in Continuous Improvement and Quality.
• Demonstrated success operating as a player/coach—balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt required; Master Black Belt highly preferred.
• Proven experience implementing CI and QMS systems across multiple sites.
• ISO 9001 experience required; exposure to FDA-regulated manufacturing (Class II or similar) strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP and data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Infor).
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and influencing skills across all levels and functions.
• Willingness to travel approximately 50% globally.

Key Competencies

• Deep working expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and Quality Systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with a bias for action and measurable results.
• Skilled coach and influencer with the ability to build capability across diverse teams and geographies.
• Change leader comfortable navigating complex environments while maintaining compliance and customer focus.

If you’re passionate about building a culture of excellence, driving operational performance, and making a meaningful impact in the medical device equipment space, we invite you to join Machine Solutions and help shape the next chapter of our global operations.

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At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job.  If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.  We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions.  Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process. ​

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.

Company:

Machine Solutions, Inc.