Pure Fishing is a global leader in the fishing tackle industry, with a portfolio of iconic brands that includes Abu Garcia®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Frabill®, PENN®, Pflueger®, Plano®, Savage Gear®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Ugly Stik®, and many more. The brands that came together to form Pure Fishing were founded by inventors and innovators responsible for many of the advancements in the fishing tackle industry that anglers worldwide benefit from today. Our team of industry-leading experts and our global network of operations and innovation hubs strive to find those next innovations and produce world-class products designed to delight our consumers, strengthen business for our customers, and build love for our brands globally.
But to us fishing is not just about business, it is about time shared with family and friends, for some the peace derived from time on the water or for others the thrill of the battle and satisfaction of the earned triumph, and for all that feeling you get with every catch. We are a passionate team hungry to win while dedicated to creating memorable experiences with our brands and products and helping anglers everywhere have more fun catching more fish. We want your next day on the water to be your best day on the water. At Pure Fishing we have high expectations for Execution, we strive to Empower our people every day, expect and encourage Authenticity.
Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence Engineer
Pure Fishing is seeking a passionate and results-driven Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence Engineer to join our dynamic team at our flagship manufacturing facility in Spirit Lake, IA. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in enhancing operational performance, driving innovation, and shaping the future of manufacturing for one of the world’s most trusted fishing brands.
What Will You Do?
As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will play a key role in driving innovation and efficiency across our manufacturing and distribution operations. You will lead efforts to streamline processes, eliminate waste, and elevate quality by applying Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies. Your work will directly impact performance, cost, and customer satisfaction, all while fostering a culture of excellence and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion and execute continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and warehouse operations.
• Conduct time studies, analyze workflows, and optimize layouts to maximize throughput and minimize bottlenecks.
• Implement Lean tools such as 5S, Standard Work, Kanban, and Kaizen to enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with production, maintenance, quality, and logistics teams to resolve inefficiencies and improve key metrics.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), visual management tools, and performance dashboards.
• Facilitate root cause analysis (RCA) and drive corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) to prevent recurring issues.
• Use data and key performance indicators (KPIs)—like OEE, on-time delivery, waste, downtime, order accuracy, and inventory turns—to guide decisions.
• Empower and train front-line employees and leaders on continuous improvement practices, fostering a culture of operational excellence.
• Support the implementation of automation, WMS systems, and other digital tools across operations.
• Ensure all improvement activities are aligned with safety standards, quality systems, and service expectations.

What Makes You a Great Catch?

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (minimum Green Belt) or Project Management credentials.
• 5+ years of continuous improvement experience in manufacturing and/or distribution environments.
• Demonstrated success leading Kaizen events and delivering measurable process improvements.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, material flow, warehouse operations, and inventory management.
• Skilled in Excel and data analysis; ERP and WMS experience a plus.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and project leadership skills.
• Ability to influence teams and drive change in a dynamic, hands-on setting.
• Certification such as Lean, Six Sigma, ASQ or PMP is strongly preferred.

(in lieu of certification, demonstrated 10+ years of project management or structured problem solving using quality tools would be acceptable).

• Champion and execute continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and warehouse operations.
• Conduct time studies, analyze workflows, and optimize layouts to maximize throughput and minimize bottlenecks.
• Implement Lean tools such as 5S, Standard Work, Kanban, and Kaizen to enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with production, maintenance, quality, and logistics teams to resolve inefficiencies and improve key metrics.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), visual management tools, and performance dashboards.
• Facilitate root cause analysis (RCA) and drive corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) to prevent recurring issues.
• Use data and key performance indicators (KPIs)—like OEE, on-time delivery, waste, downtime, order accuracy, and inventory turns—to guide decisions.
• Empower and train front-line employees and leaders on continuous improvement practices, fostering a culture of operational excellence.
• Support the implementation of automation, WMS systems, and other digital tools across operations.
• Ensure all improvement activities are aligned with safety standards, quality systems, and service expectations