Continuous Improvement Lead - Material Flow

nVent • Anoka, MN

9d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Lead to facilitate the advancement of Lean practices at our Anoka, MN manufacturing facility. You will partner with operations, logistics, and materials teams to improve material flow, inventory movement, and operational processes that support the flow of materials from receiving through production. In this role, you will drive measurable improvements through hands-on facilitation, coaching, and collaboration, helping teams find opportunities, solve problems, and sustain new ways of working.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2+ years of experience leading Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing, warehouse, logistics, distribution, or production environment, with direct facilitation responsibility using Lean methodologies.
• Practical application of Lean tools such as Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Standard Work, material and information flow, takt time analysis, and root cause problem solving.
• Ability to quantify and communicate improvement results, including cost savings, productivity gains, or waste reduction.
• Proven ability to coach others, influence across functions, and work effectively with frontline teams and supervisors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in Microsoft products including Excel, PowerPoint, and/or Visio.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with PFEP (Plan for Every Part), material flow design, inventory replenishment systems, Kanban, or internal logistics improvement initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, partnering closely with supply chain teams and applying Lean methodologies and structured problem-solving techniques to identify waste, improve material flow, and implement sustainable process improvements from initial scoping through implementation and sustainment.
• Spend time at the gemba observing production, warehouse, receiving, inspection, and material flow processes, identifying inefficiencies and working hands-on with teams to develop and implement improvements.
• Drive improvement initiatives that deliver measurable results such as cost reduction, inventory accuracy improvements, productivity gains, cycle time reduction, and throughput improvements, while also communicating progress and impact to site leadership.
• Develop and reinforce standard work, visual management, and daily management practices to sustain improvements and drive accountability in operations.
• Train, coach, and support operators, supervisors, and cross-functional partners on Lean principles and tools to build capability and ownership across the site.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans along with flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability benefits, critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance.
• A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan — both include a company match.
• Tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program, and/or legal & identity theft protection.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level