Continuous Improvement Lead – Kaizen Team

Daimler Truck North America•Portland, OR

2d•$104,000 - $133,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Inside the Role Are you passionate about driving meaningful change and empowering teams to solve complex problems? We’re looking for a Continuous Improvement Lead to join our Kaizen Team. In this high-impact role, you’ll lead structured, collaborative events that deliver measurable outcomes across the organization. You’ll facilitate Kaizen events, guide teams through proven methodologies, and help shape a culture of continuous improvement. The Continuous Improvement department fosters a culture of open-mindedness, adaptability, and collaboration. We believe in continuously evolving for the better, embracing change, and working together to achieve shared goals. Team members are encouraged to bring their unique perspectives, collaborate across initiatives, and maintain an inclusive environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. Posting Information We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected. We Take Care of Our Team Position offers a starting salary range of $104,000 - $133,000 USD Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience Benefits include annual bonus program; 401k company contribution with company match up to 8 % as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ calendar holidays; 8 weeks paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans. What You Drive at DTNA Event Leadership & Facilitation Plan and facilitate Kaizen events from preparation through follow-up. Align with business owners on event objectives, scope, and success criteria. Guide teams through Quality Process Mapping (QPM) and the 8-Step Problem Solving approach. Conduct post-event check-ins to assess success, support follow-through, and identify training or template needs. Process Mapping & Problem Solving Lead teams in documenting current state processes and identifying/ranking pain points. Facilitate root cause analysis, target setting, and development of countermeasures. Support the creation of implementation and governance plans—while ensuring execution is fully owned by the business. Data-Driven CI Activities Passionate about data and actively seek out data-driven decision making. Curious mindset Knowledge and working experience in emerging technologies in a no-code or low-code environment (ex: Microsoft CoPilot, CoPilot Studio, Automation Tools). Align with the Business Data Analytics Team (BDAT) when their expertise is needed. Assist in defining KPIs to ensure Kaizen events deliver measurable outcomes. CI Ambassador Training & Enablement Lead training for CI Ambassador cohorts to become certified Kaizen facilitators. Keep training content fresh, engaging, and aligned with Kaizen methodologies. Mentor new facilitators as they lead their first events. Kaizen Team Documentation & Governance Maintain Kaizen facilitator resources including templates, training materials, intake forms, surveys, and best practices. Collaborate with the CI Training team to ensure alignment and keep documentation up to date. Knowledge You Should Bring Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience Experience in process improvement and project management. Ability to structure work independently. Proven experience facilitating cross-functional workshops and driving consensus. Strong communication skills both written & spoken. Ability to think fast on your feet and adapt when needed. Detail-oriented with excellent documentation and follow-through skills. Experience creating and delivering compelling executive-level presentations. Proficiency in Microsoft Visio, PowerPoint, Excel, Word OneNote and Loop; knowledge of Signavio is a plus. Exceptional Candidates Might Have Experience leading Kaizen, Lean, or similar improvement events. Experience developing and delivering training programs. Familiarity with CI Tools (e.g., Quality Process Mapping, 8-Step Problem Solving, Fishbone, 5Why, A3s, RACI, etc.) Any CI certifications or Project Management certifications (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma, Lean) Where We Work This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)- Fort Mill, SC US, Portland, OR US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position. Schedule Type: Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration. At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all. That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving. Additional Information This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions EEO - Disabled/Veterans Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status. For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience
Experience in process improvement and project management.
Ability to structure work independently.
Proven experience facilitating cross-functional workshops and driving consensus.
Strong communication skills both written & spoken.
Ability to think fast on your feet and adapt when needed.
Detail-oriented with excellent documentation and follow-through skills.
Experience creating and delivering compelling executive-level presentations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Visio, PowerPoint, Excel, Word OneNote and Loop; knowledge of Signavio is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading Kaizen, Lean, or similar improvement events.
Experience developing and delivering training programs.
Familiarity with CI Tools (e.g., Quality Process Mapping, 8-Step Problem Solving, Fishbone, 5Why, A3s, RACI, etc.)
Any CI certifications or Project Management certifications (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma, Lean)

Responsibilities

Plan and facilitate Kaizen events from preparation through follow-up.
Align with business owners on event objectives, scope, and success criteria.
Guide teams through Quality Process Mapping (QPM) and the 8-Step Problem Solving approach.
Conduct post-event check-ins to assess success, support follow-through, and identify training or template needs.
Lead teams in documenting current state processes and identifying/ranking pain points.
Facilitate root cause analysis, target setting, and development of countermeasures.
Support the creation of implementation and governance plans—while ensuring execution is fully owned by the business.
Passionate about data and actively seek out data-driven decision making.
Knowledge and working experience in emerging technologies in a no-code or low-code environment (ex: Microsoft CoPilot, CoPilot Studio, Automation Tools).
Align with the Business Data Analytics Team (BDAT) when their expertise is needed.
Assist in defining KPIs to ensure Kaizen events deliver measurable outcomes.
Lead training for CI Ambassador cohorts to become certified Kaizen facilitators.
Keep training content fresh, engaging, and aligned with Kaizen methodologies.
Mentor new facilitators as they lead their first events.
Maintain Kaizen facilitator resources including templates, training materials, intake forms, surveys, and best practices.
Collaborate with the CI Training team to ensure alignment and keep documentation up to date.

Benefits

annual bonus program
401k company contribution with company match up to 8 % as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age
starting at 4 weeks paid vacation
13+ calendar holidays
8 weeks paid parental leave
employee assistance program
comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs
onsite fitness (at some locations)
tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off
short-term and long-term disability plans