Continuous Improvement Leader

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Collaborate with General Managers and site leadership teams to assess operational performance and discover continuous improvement opportunities.

• Spearhead Lean Manufacturing initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee involvement.

• Organize Kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, process improvement workshops, and problem-solving activities.

• Work in conjunction with the Automation Engineer to pinpoint opportunities for process enhancements and automation solutions.

• Assist in developing site-specific operational improvement roadmaps.

• Promote the standardization of best practices, work methods, and operational processes across various facilities.

• Examine operational data and KPIs to uncover trends, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.

• Guide and mentor plant leadership teams on Lean principles, problem-solving techniques, and continuous improvement tools.

• Implement and maintain Lean systems such as 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, and Kaizen.

• Set measurable improvement objectives and monitor project outcomes.

• Lead cross-functional teams in executing improvement projects and ensuring sustained gains.

• Foster accountability, employee engagement, and ongoing improvement.

• Aid in the integration and replication of successful improvements across multiple sites.

• Ensure that improvement initiatives are in alignment with safety, quality, and operational goals.

• Prepare and deliver updates on progress, project outcomes, and performance metrics to senior leadership.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Over 7 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, Lean, or continuous improvement.

• Proven track record of leading Lean transformation or operational excellence initiatives.

• Experience in facilitating Kaizen events and executing process improvement projects.

• Strong grasp of manufacturing processes, labor productivity, quality systems, and operational metrics.

• Willingness to travel extensively to support multiple manufacturing sites.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is required; Black Belt certification is preferred.

• Experience in multi-site manufacturing settings.

• Background in supporting automation initiatives.

• Competence in implementing operational management systems and KPI scorecards.

• Prior leadership or management experience is essential.

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

• Demonstrated capacity to lead organizational change and influence without direct authority.

• Ability to coach leaders and frontline teams through both process and cultural transformations.

• Experience in developing and implementing sustainable operating systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Power BI, and data analysis tools.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Flexible work arrangements and paid time off.

• Strong company culture focused on employee engagement and continuous improvement.