Continuous Improvement Manager

TRC Talent Solutions; Centerville (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

TRC Talent Solutions is assisting a leading manufacturer in the commercial food retail industry in recruiting a Continuous Improvement Engineer. This role will influence operations in a low-volume, high-mix environment, driving Lean initiatives and sustainable change within a non-union, team-focused plant.

You'll lead Kaizen events, coach cross-functional teams, and apply data-driven methods to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity while building Lean capabilities across the

Qualifications

• 3+ years in Continuous Improvement, Lean, or Operational Excellence.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events (not just participating).
• Strong knowledge of 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Poka-Yoke, and Lean tools.
• Excellent coaching, communication, and change management skills.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and Lean initiatives.
• Coach teams on Lean principles, problem-solving, and waste reduction.
• Partner cross-functionally to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
• Support process improvements, daily management systems, and operational upgrades.
• Utilize data to drive decision-making and sustainable results.
• Develop Lean capabilities throughout the organization.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean

Operational Excellence

Kaizen facilitation

Change management

Coaching

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

5S

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

Poka-Yoke

Job description

TRC's partner, a leading manufacturer serving the commercial food retail industry, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to play a key role in advancing its Lean transformation journey.

This position offers the unique opportunity to influence operations across a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment where no two days are the same. Working closely with leadership and production teams, you'll help build Lean capabilities, drive operational improvements, and create sustainable change within a collaborative, non-union facility known for its strong employee tenure and team-oriented culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and Lean initiatives
• Coach teams on Lean principles, problem-solving, and waste reduction
• Partner cross-functionally to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity
• Support process improvements, daily management systems, and operational upgrades
• Utilize data to drive decision-making and sustainable results
• Develop Lean capabilities throughout the organization

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Continuous Improvement, Lean, or Operational Excellence experience
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events (not just participating)
• Strong knowledge of 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Poka-Yoke, and related Lean tools
• Excellent coaching, communication, and change management skills
• Manufacturing experience preferred
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience

TRC Talent Solutions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.