Continuous Improvement - Project Leader

Clear Destination Inc.; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

IEWC is seeking a senior lean transformation leader to drive enterprise-wide improvements across global manufacturing, distribution, and admin functions. You will standardize best practices, establish KPIs, and lead cross-regional teams to achieve measurable cost savings and performance gains.

You will facilitate kaizen events, mentor CI practitioners, and manage complex programs spanning facilities and regions, ensuring safety and quality benchmarks are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5-7+ years leading lean/continuous improvement in global manufacturing or distribution.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale transformation programs and cost savings.
• Expertise in kaizen events, value stream mapping, and standard work.
• Certifications preferred (Lean, Six Sigma, PM).
• Experience with global operations, multi-site coordination, and cultural change.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate enterprise-level lean transformation initiatives across manufacturing, distribution, and admin functions.
• Lead kaizen events, workshops, and problem-solving across sites and regions.
• Establish and sustain global KPIs, tiered management systems, and visual performance management.
• Drive data-informed decision-making through analytics and trend analysis.
• Lead root cause analysis to reduce waste and improve process capability.
• Develop and standardize SOPs aligned with safety, quality, and excellence.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Kaizen Event Facilitation

Value Stream Mapping

5S

DMAIC Problem Solving

PDCA

Setup Reduction

TPM

Daily Management System

ERP experience (SAP)

MS Office 365

Data visualization tools

Project/Program management

Facility layout/design

Material flow optimization

Cross-cultural change management

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office 365

Data visualization tools

Job description

This position is responsible for leading and scaling enterprise-wide lean transformation initiatives across global manufacturing, distribution, and transactional operations. This role leverages advanced analytics, business intelligence, and lean methodologies to drive sustainable operational excellence, cost optimization, and cultural change. This individual will establish continuous improvement frameworks, standardize best practices across regions, and deliver measurable performance improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. The role requires expertise in lean principles, change management, and cross-functional leadership in complex, global environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate enterprise-level lean transformation initiatives, including value stream optimization across manufacturing, distribution, and administrative functions.
• Champion and lead advanced kaizen events, workshops, and problem-solving sessions across multiple sites and regions.
• Establish, standardize, and sustain global KPIs, tiered management systems, and visual performance management frameworks.
• Drive data-informed decision-making through analytics, statistics, and performance trending.
• Drive A3 problem solving and root cause analysis to eliminate systemic inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve process capability.
• Oversee the development, standardization, and continuous improvement of SOPs, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, and operational excellence standards.
• Support new business integration, facility start-ups, and global expansion initiatives through CI deployment and operational readiness.
• Develop and implement global training programs to build lean capability, including coaching leaders and mentoring CI practitioners.
• Conduct CI maturity assessments, audits, and benchmarking across sites to ensure consistency and continuous progression.
• Lead cross-functional and cross-regional teams to execute high-impact projects, including capital investments and process transformation initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards across all operational processes.
• Collaborate across global sites to identify, validate, and scale cost-saving and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Responsibilities may evolve to meet business needs, including expanded global scope and strategic program ownership.

*The above represents the essential job functions that you are assigned to perform in your job. If you are unable to perform these essential duties, please see Human Resources as IEWC may be able to provide reasonable accommodation against the ADA requirements.

The values, competencies, technical skills and physical demands enumerated below are representative of those required to successfully fulfill the Key Responsibilities of the position.

VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

• Acts as a change agent, fostering a lean mindset and influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Builds high-performing, collaborative teams across global locations and functions.
• Exhibits resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrates strong alignment with IEWC’s vision, values, and purpose while driving a culture of continuous improvement.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7+ years of experience leading lean/continuous improvement initiatives in a global manufacturing and/or distribution environment.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale transformation programs and measurable cost savings.
• Expertise in lean methodologies (ex. Kaizen Event Facilitation, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, 8 Wastes, PDCA, DMAIC Problem Solving, Standard Work, One Piece Flow, Setup Reduction, TPM, Daily Management System).
• Certifications preferred (ex. Lean, Six Sigma, Project Management).
• Extensive experience with global operations, including multi-site coordination and cultural change management.
• Strong background in data analytics and performance measurement systems.
• Experience with ERP systems (prefer SAP) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and data visualization tools.
• Demonstrated experience in project/program management, facility layout/design, and material flow optimization.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for all organizational levels.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives with minimal supervision in a dynamic environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work Environment : May involve exposure to typical industrial environments including noise, equipment, and varying temperatures. Ability to work in both office and operational environments, including manufacturing plants and distribution centers. Ability to stand, walk, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Travel: Occasional travel (domestic and international) required to support global initiatives.