Continuous Improvement (Lean) Leader

Kawneer•Springdale, AR

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement (Lean) Leader is responsible for driving operational excellence initiatives throughout the facility by applying Lean Manufacturing principles, Kaizen methodologies, and structured problem-solving techniques. This role partners closely with plant leadership, supervisors, engineering, maintenance, and support functions to eliminate waste, improve productivity, reduce costs, enhance quality, and establish sustainable management systems. The CI Leader serves as a coach, facilitator, and change agent while building Lean capabilities across the organization and leading strategic and tactical improvement initiatives that support business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience.
Minimum 3 years of Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Lean leadership experience.
Experience leading Kaizen events from planning through implementation and sustainment.
Demonstrated experience applying Lean Manufacturing principles in a production environment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification.
Experience with TPM implementation.
Experience with Value Stream Management.
Background in automation or manufacturing engineering.
Experience leading multi- areas/ site improvement initiatives.
Knowledge of ERP and manufacturing systems.
Experience delivering measurable cost savings and productivity improvements.

Responsibilities

Lead the deployment and sustainment of Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the facility.
Develop site Continuous Improvement roadmaps aligned with business goals.
Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities that deliver measurable results.
Partner with leadership to establish a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement.
Facilitate Kaizen events from planning through implementation and sustainment.
Coach leaders on event preparation, data collection, root cause analysis, and follow-up actions.
Ensure action items are completed and documented benefits are achieved.
Support rapid improvement workshops focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people (culture).
Implement and sustain Daily Management Systems (MDI).
Develop visual performance boards and KPI management processes.
Establish tiered accountability meetings and escalation processes.
Drive problem-solving routines at all organizational levels.
Lead Value Stream Mapping (VSM) activities to identify waste and improve flow.
Conduct line balancing, process mapping, and capacity analysis.
Implement and sustain Standard Work, 5S Workplace Organization, Visual Management/MDI, Waste Reduction Initiatives, A3 Problem Solving, SMED (Quick Changeover), TPM Programs, Root Cause Analysis (8 Step problem solving methodology as example).
Design and deliver Lean training programs.
Coach frontline leaders, supervisors, and managers on Lean tools and leadership behaviors.
Develop internal Lean champions and CI resources.
Promote employee participation in improvement activities.
Lead cross-functional strategic improvement projects.
Manage project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
Quantify and validate project benefits.
Present progress and results to leadership teams.
Establish KPI tracking and reporting processes.
Measure impact related to: Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People (Productivity/Cost Savings/Inventory, Lead time reduction, Customer Experience improvements).
Monitor sustainment plans and audit compliance.
Influencing teams without direct authority.
Driving behavioral and cultural changes across multiple functions.
Balancing short-term operational needs with long-term strategic initiatives.
Developing ownership and accountability within operational teams.
Sustaining improvements after implementation.
Identifying and removing barriers to Lean deployment.