Continuous Improvement Lead

nVent; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 76,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

nVent seeks a Continuous Improvement Lead for its Anoka, MN manufacturing facility to advance Lean practices and drive measurable improvements in material flow and production efficiency.

You will lead Kaizen events, coach teams, and collaborate with operations to deliver cost reductions, inventory accuracy gains, and cycle-time reductions while fostering standard work and visual management across the site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• 2+ years leading Kaizen events and CI initiatives in manufacturing, warehouse, logistics, distribution or production.
• Practical application of Lean tools: Kaizen, 5S, VSM, Standard Work, material and information flow, takt time analysis, root cause solving.
• Experience with PFEP, material flow design, Kanban or internal logistics improvements preferred.
• Ability to quantify and communicate improvement results (cost savings, productivity gains, waste reduction).
• Proven ability to coach others, influence across functions, and work with frontline teams and supervisors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proficient with Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio

Responsibilities

• Lead Kaizen events with operations and supply chain to identify waste and implement sustainable improvements.
• Drive improvement initiatives delivering measurable results such as cost reductions, inventory accuracy, productivity gains, and cycle time reductions.
• Spend time at the gemba observing production, warehouse, receiving, inspection, and material flow processes to identify inefficiencies and develop solutions.
• Develop and reinforce standard work, visual management, and daily management practices to sustain improvements and drive accountability.
• Train, coach, and support operators and supervisors on Lean principles and tools to build capability across the site.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Kaizen

5S

Value Stream Mapping

Standard Work

Takt time analysis

Root cause problem solving

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PFEP

Kanban

Inventory replenishment

Material flow design

Job description

We’re looking for people who put their innovation to work to advance our success - and their own. Join an organization that ensures a more secure world through connecting and protecting our customers with inventive electrical solutions. 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/or materials teams to improve material flow, inventory movement, and/or improve how work is completed on the production floor. 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.

What you will experience in this position

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, partnering closely with operations and/or supply chain teams and applying Lean methodologies to identify waste, improve flow, and implement sustainable process improvements from initial scoping through implementation and sustainment.
• 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.
• Spend time at the gemba observing production, warehouse, receiving, inspection, and/or material flow processes, identifying inefficiencies and working hands‑on with teams to develop and implement improvements.
• 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.

You have

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

Pay Transparency nVent’s pay scale is based on the expected range of base pay for this job and the employee’s work location. Employee pay within this range will be based on a combination of factors including knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, education, and performance. Where federal, state, or local minimum wage requirements exist, employee pay will comply. Compensation Range: $76,000.00 - $141,100.00 Depending on the position offered, employee may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as annual or long‑term incentives.

We have

We have: A dynamic global reach with diverse operations around the world that will stretch your abilities, provide plentiful career opportunities, and allow you to make an impact every day nVent is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. We believe our inventive electrical solutions enable safer systems and ensure a more secure world. We design, manufacture, market, install and service high performance products and solutions that connect and protect some of the world's most sensitive equipment, buildings and critical processes. We offer a comprehensive range of systems protection and electrical connections solutions across industry‑leading brands that are recognized globally for quality, reliability and innovation. Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis. Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and includes nVent CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, ILSCO, SCHROFF and TRACHTE. Learn more at www.nvent.com.

Commitment to strengthen communities where our employees live and work We encourage and support the philanthropic activities of our employees worldwide Through our nVent in Action matching program, we provide funds to nonprofit and educational organizations where our employees volunteer or donate money.

Core values that shape our culture and drive us to deliver the best for our employees and our customers. We’re known for being:

• Innovative & adaptable
• Dedicated to absolute integrity
• Focused on the customer first
• Respectful and team oriented
• Optimistic and energizing
• Accountable for performance

Benefit Overview

At nVent, we value our people and their health and well-being. We provide a broad benefits package with meaningful programs for eligible full‑time employees that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short‑term and long‑term disability benefits
• Critical illness
• Accident insurance and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Caregiver
• Personal and parental leave
• Back‑up care services
• Paid time off including volunteer time
• A well‑being program
• Legal & identity theft protection

At nVent, we are committed to equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national, federal, state or local law.