Continuous Improvement Leader

Hitachi ABB Power Grids; South Boston, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy in South Boston, VA, seeks a Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Leader to drive the Lean operating system across the factory and elevate performance through world‑class execution. You will partner with the Factory Manager and leadership to deploy strategy, coach teams, and sustain breakthrough improvements that benefit customers, the business, and the planet.

You will lead cost‑out initiatives, build Lean capability through coaching and training, and ensure daily management and

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Lean operating systems and continuous improvement within manufacturing or transactional environments.
• Experience implementing major Lean systems (Toyota, Danaher, Honeywell or similar).
• Lean/Six Sigma certifications (Lean Master, Lean Expert, Black Belt) preferred.
• Demonstrated success delivering breakthrough improvements.
• Strong communication, influence and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment and maturity growth of the ITM System across the factory.
• Drive breakthrough improvement using Lean tools such as 5S, Daily Management and Value Stream Mapping.
• Facilitate strategy deployment, goal-setting, Kaizen planning and Leader Standard Work.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to elevate KPIs and optimize processes.
• Lead cost-out and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Build Lean capability through coaching, training and mentoring.
• Champion a culture of engagement, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure sustained performance through structured problem-solving and gap-closure actions.

Skills

Lean operating systems

Continuous improvement

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent

Tools

Lean tools

Job description

Inspire the next era of sustainable energy with Hitachi Energy, where your work fuels a brighter, more resilient future. As our Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Leader in South Boston, you will shape how our operations evolve and thrive. This is your chance to lead transformational change within a global organization committed to making energy more sustainable, secure, and accessible to all.

In this role, you will guide the factory’s Lean operating system, ensuring our teams are empowered, our processes are future‑ready, and our strategy is brought to life through world‑class execution. You will collaborate closely with the Factory Manager and leadership team, becoming a trusted partner and catalyst for continuous improvement that accelerates operational excellence across the entire value chain.

From developing strategic breakthrough initiatives, to building Lean capability, to strengthening our coaching culture—your leadership will unlock new performance levels and help our teams deliver meaningful impact for our customers, our business and our planet.

How you’ll make an impact

Lead deployment and maturity growth of the ITM System across the factory.

Drive breakthrough improvement using Lean tools such as 5S, Daily Management and Value Stream Mapping.

Facilitate strategy deployment, goal‑setting, Kaizen planning and Leader Standard Work.

Partner with cross-functional teams to elevate KPIs and optimize processes.

Lead cost‑out and productivity improvement initiatives.

Build Lean capability through coaching, training and mentoring.

Champion a culture of engagement, accountability and continuous improvement.

Ensure sustained performance through structured problem‑solving and gap‑closure actions.

Your background

10+ years in Lean operating systems and continuous improvement within manufacturing or transactional environments.

Experience implementing major Lean systems (Toyota, Danaher, Honeywell or similar).

Lean/Six Sigma certifications (Lean Master, Lean Expert, Black Belt) preferred.

Demonstrated success delivering breakthrough improvements.

Strong communication, influence and leadership capabilities.

More about us

We are committed to inspiring the next era of sustainable energy and empowering societies to thrive.

We invest deeply in our people, technology and global footprint to drive innovation and long‑term growth.

You’ll join an organization that values development, supports career progression and fosters a culture of safety, integrity and collaboration.

Responsible to ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures and guidelines.

Location South Boston, Virginia, United States of America

Job type Full time

Work arrangement On‑Site

Experience Management

Job function Quality Management

Contract Regular

Publication date 2026-09-08

Reference number R0120231

About Hitachi Energy

We are a global leader in electrification, powering the electricity era to meet the energy demands of today, and the next 25 years. As the energy arm of Hitachi Group, over three billion people depend on our pioneering, mission‑critical technologies to power their daily lives.

With over a century of innovation, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time: driving the evolution of the world’s energy system to ensure abundant, secure, affordable, and sustainable power for today’s generation and the next.

With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we are the grid ecosystem partner across the utility, industry, data center, and transportation sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 56,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $20 billion USD.

Hitachi Energy is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer committed to encouraging inclusion in the workplace.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, family medical leave status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, applicants may request to review the affirmative action plan of a particular facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an HR Representative at 888.504.2007. Protected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Hitachi Energy’s career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an HR Representative at 888.504.2007. Resumes and applications will not be accepted through this method.

For more information regarding your EEO rights as an applicant, please visit this website .