Continuous Improvement Leader | Wood Dale, IL

Michael Page; Wood Dale (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus (EBITDA-based)

Unlimited PTO

BCBS benefits

Tuition assistance

Job summary

MPI is seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader to champion Lean Manufacturing initiatives, build high‑performing teams, and drive measurable improvements across multiple facilities near O'Hare. The role focuses on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity with strong emphasis on data‑driven decision making.

You will facilitate Kaizen events, map value streams, and coach leaders in Lean, Six Sigma, and change management.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of manufacturing/operations experience with a track record in Lean transformations.
• Strong experience facilitating Kaizen events and process improvement initiatives.
• Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma and operational excellence methodologies.
• Experience in multi-site manufacturing environments and data-driven improvements.
• Ability to analyze data, develop actionable improvement plans, and drive change.
• Experience implementing KPI scorecards and standardized operating processes.
• Willingness to travel to support multiple manufacturing locations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across facilities.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and workshops.
• Analyze performance metrics to identify trends and bottlenecks.
• Develop and implement operational excellence strategies with measurable results.
• Coach leaders and employees on Lean principles and change management.
• Standardize best practices and SOPs across sites.
• Partner with engineering, operations, supply chain, and maintenance teams.
• Establish KPI dashboards and performance management systems.
• Lead cross-functional projects from initiation through sustainment.
• Promote a culture of employee engagement and continuous improvement.
• Present updates and business results to senior leadership.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Process improvement

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/related field

Tools

Kaizen events

Job description

My client is looking for a Continuous Improvement Leader to champion Lean Manufacturing initiatives, develop high-performing teams, and drive measurable improvements across multiple manufacturing facilities. This is a high-growth potential role with a company that is investing heavily into this site!

My client is a global manufacturer of high-quality metal components, serving a variety of industries including Automotive & Aerospace. They have recently made an enormous investment into their IL site, and have moved into a state of the art facility near O'Hare.

Description

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity
• Facilitate Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and value stream mapping activities
• Analyze operational performance metrics to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement
• Develop and implement operational excellence strategies that deliver measurable business results
• Coach leaders and employees on Lean principles, problem-solving techniques, and change management practices
• Standardize best practices and operating procedures across multiple facilities
• Partner with engineering, operations, supply chain, and maintenance teams to improve efficiency and process performance
• Establish KPI dashboards and performance management systems to drive accountability
• Lead cross-functional projects from identification through implementation and sustainment
• Promote a culture centered on employee engagement, operational excellence, and continuous improvement
• Present project updates, performance metrics, and business results to senior leadership

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, continuous improvement, or operational excellence
• Proven success leading Lean transformations and driving measurable operational improvements
• Strong experience facilitating Kaizen events and process improvement initiatives
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies
• Experience in multi-site manufacturing environments
• Ability to analyze data, identify opportunities, and develop actionable improvement plans
• Strong communication, leadership, and influencing skills
• Experience implementing KPI scorecards, performance management systems, and standardized operating processes
• Willingness to travel to support multiple manufacturing locations

Job Offer

• Base salary $120,000 - $180,000 depending on experience
• Annual bonus based on EBITDA
• Unlimited PTO + company holidays
• Comprehensive benefits package through BCBS
• Tuition assistance program
  

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.