Continuous Improvement Leader

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; South Boston, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy USA Inc. in South Boston, VA seeks a Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Leader to shape Lean operating systems and drive world-class execution.

You will guide the factory’s Lean program, empower teams, and partner with the Factory Manager to deliver breakthrough improvements across value streams. You will lead ITM System deployment, coach lean capability, and drive cost-out initiatives while fostering accountability, coaching culture, and sustained performance through structured

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business.
• 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

Leadership

Communication

Change management

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related

Tools

5S

Value Stream Mapping

Kaizen

Job description

Location: South Boston, Virginia, United States of America Job ID: R0120231 Date Posted: 2026-02-23 Company Name: HITACHI ENERGY USA INC Profession (Job Category): Quality Management Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No

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

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business.
• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Equal Employment Opportunity Hitachi is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation

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 the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on your website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process. This accommodation channel is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al‑supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision‑making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future.

That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges.

Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe.

From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers.

And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference.

Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting.

To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

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