Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement

Collectors is the leading creator of innovative technology that provides value-added services for collectors worldwide. We grade, authenticate, vault, and sell millions of record-setting collectibles, all while modernizing and digitalizing the process to further our mission of helping collectors pursue their passions. We’re always on the lookout for talented people to join our growing team.

Our services span collectible coins, trading cards, Funko Pops!, video games, event tickets, autographs, and memorabilia. Our subsidiaries include PSA, PCGS, SGC, and Card Ladder.

Since our founding in 1986, we have graded and authenticated millions of items. We employ more than 1,900 people across our headquarters in Santa Ana and offices in Jersey City, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Toronto, Guadalajara, Dallas, and Paris.

We’re looking for a Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement to join our growing Continuous Improvement team. As a Senior Continuous Improvement Manager  you will  lead enterprise-wide initiatives to optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency. This role is responsible for leading the lean transformation of Collectors and establishing a company-wide culture of continuous improvement from the ground up.

The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership to deliver measurable outcomes including cost savings, cycle time reduction, defect rate improvement, and strong ROI through Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.  

You’ll report to the Director of Continuous Improvement and work onsite from our Santa Ana, California office with occasional travel (up to 50%).

What You’ll Do: 

• Deploy CI Strategy: Establish and execute a comprehensive continuous improvement roadmap

• Champion CI Culture: Embed Lean and CI principles into organizational goals to foster a culture of operational excellence

• Identify Opportunities: Use Lean tools (VSM, Process Mapping, 5S, Root Cause Analysis) to analyze processes, quantify waste, and prioritize improvement initiatives

• Lead Engagement: Facilitate Kaizen events, workout sessions, Lean Six Sigma training to drive shop floor engagement and alignment

• Build CI Capability: Recruit, develop, and lead a team of CI specialists strategically positioned across regions to deliver impactful improvements

• Drive Change Management: Apply proven change management strategies to ensure adoption and sustainability of improvements

• Deliver Transformational Projects: Lead large-scale CI initiatives across operations, ensuring measurable results

• Develop Data-Driven Solutions: Create business cases supported by KPIs and financial impact; implement reporting tools for performance visibility

• Sustain Improvements: Ensure successful implementation and embed control mechanisms to maintain gains and continuous progress

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Cost Savings: Deliver targeted annual cost reductions through strategic CI initiatives

• Process Efficiency: Achieve measurable cycle time reductions across key workflows

• Quality Improvement: Reduce defect rates and enhance overall quality performance

• Project Delivery: Complete CI projects on time, within scope, and meeting defined objectives

• Employee Engagement: Increase participation in CI programs and sustain a culture of continuous improvement

Who You Are:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field (Master’s preferred)

• Experience:

  • 8+ years of progressive experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean, or Operational Excellence roles

  • Proven success leading large-scale CI initiatives in distribution or supply chain environments

  • Demonstrated ability to build and lead multi-regional CI teams

• Certifications:

  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt required

  • Additional certifications in Kaizen, Change Management, or Operational Excellence preferred

• Technical Skills:

  • Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and CI methodologies

  • Strong knowledge of CI tools (Value Stream Mapping, 5S, DMAIC, PDCA, Root Cause Analysis)

  • Proficiency in data analytics and business intelligence tools

• Leadership & Soft Skills:

  • Strategic thinker with ability to influence at all levels of the organization

  • Exceptional change management and stakeholder engagement skills

  • Strong communication, facilitation, and coaching abilities

Salary Range: 

The salary range for this position is $115,000-$194,000. Actual compensation on this range varies based on a variety of non-discriminatory factors, including location, job level, experience, and skill set.

Reasons To Join Us:

• Health Insurance: All full-time employees are eligible to enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision

• Additional Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for fertility, commuter, and educational assistance benefits

• 401(K) Matching Plan: We are proud to offer a competitive 401k matching plan to our employees to support their future financial goals

• Vacation: All salaried employees are eligible for flexible time-off

• Holiday Pay: All regular, full-time employees are eligible for ten company paid holidays

• Employee Discounts: Employees receive discounts on select grading services for approved submissions

• Flexible Hours: Many of our teams offer flexible schedules with varying shifts and will work with you to accommodate your needs

• Fun Working Environment: Our team members are invited to participate in celebrations, holiday events, and team building activities

Collectors uses e-Verify to validate your ability to work legally in the United States.

We are aware that there are instances where individuals are receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from Collectors or one of our business units. This type of fraud can be carried out through false websites, through fake e-mails claiming to be from the company or through social media. We never ask for personal information such as your bank account, Social Security numbers or National IDs, nor do we send or request payments for the purchase of business-related equipment. If you suspect fraud, please reach out to [email protected].

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We believe that a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills will better service the diverse community of collectors we support.

If you require an accommodation to apply or interview with us due to a disability or special need, please email [email protected].

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If you are based in California, you can read information for California residents here.