Continuous Improvement/Senior Change Agent

CFO Trane U.S. Inc.-CFO; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 97,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellness programs

401K match up to 8%

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Student debt support

Volunteer and parental leave

Job summary

Trane Technologies is seeking a Continuous Improvement/Senior Change Agent in Grand Rapids, MI to lead Lean transformation across site operations. This role requires influencing all levels of the organization, developing team capability, and delivering measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in Lean manufacturing and a track record of facilitating 30+ Kaizen/Blitz events, with strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Lean manufacturing, operational excellence, or continuous improvement.
• Strong verbal and written communication with all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated leadership to energize and influence teams during change initiatives.
• Proven track record facilitating at least 30 Kaizen or Blitz events with measurable improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean transformation across site operations to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Conduct value stream analyses to identify bottlenecks and design future-state processes.
• Plan and execute Lean events (Kaizen, Blitz, RIEs, JDI) to eliminate waste and raise performance.
• Coach Team Leaders, Supervisors, and managers through daily engagement and Gemba walks.
• Promote flow, pull, standardized work, and visual management throughout the organization.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Change agent

Kaizen events

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial/mechanical/manufacturing engineering or related field

Job description

Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King, sustainability is not just how we do business - it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what's possible for a sustainable world.

Learn about our benefits designed for you to Thrive at work and at home. We boldly go.

Where is the work: On-Site (5 days)

Job Summary:

Trane Technologies is seeking a Continuous Improvement/Senior Change Agent in Grand Rapids, MI to lead and accelerate Lean transformation across site operations. This role is instrumental in driving a culture of continuous improvement by embedding Lean principles, disciplines, and tools into daily business practices. The ideal candidate will be a strategic change leader who can influence all levels of the organization, develop team capability, and deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive value stream analyses to evaluate current operational performance, identify process inefficiencies, and define a future-state vision that improves flow, effectiveness, and overall business results.
• Review existing and proposed procedures, workflows, and controls to identify barriers to performance, uncover improvement opportunities, and create actionable plans that support successful change implementation.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of Lean improvement events, including Kaizen events, Blitz events, Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs), and Just Do It (JDI) activities, with a focus on eliminating waste and improving productivity, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Train, coach, and support Team Leaders, Supervisors, and Management through daily engagement, team meetings, and Gemba walks, reinforcing effective problem-solving behaviors and the application of foundational Lean methodologies.
• Promote and develop understanding of key Lean concepts such as flow, pull/on-demand production, zero defects, standardized work, and visual management to ensure these principles are consistently applied throughout the organization.
• Partner closely with the Sr. Value Stream Coach, Site Leader, Department Managers, and Supervisors to address challenges during implementation and sustainment phases, ensuring improvement initiatives remain aligned with operational and business objectives.
• Serve as a backup to the Sr. Value Stream Coach when needed, providing leadership continuity and ongoing support for site-wide continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Lean manufacturing, operational excellence, or continuous improvement, with demonstrated success managing, training, coaching, and developing others in Lean tools, principles, and methodologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with employees at all levels, from frontline team members to senior leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with the ability to energize, motivate, and influence teams while serving as a positive and credible change agent.
• Demonstrated success facilitating at least 30 Kaizen or Blitz events using a structured methodology, with a strong track record of delivering measurable improvements in operational and financial performance.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing engineering or a related field preferred; equivalent education, training, and relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Annual Base Salary Range or Hourly Base Pay Range: $97,406.66 - $135,834.99 Compensation Type: Salary Incentive Eligible: Yes Sales Commission Eligible: No Disclaimer: We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation. Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country. Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.

Benefits:

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives - WE DARE TO CARE!
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• 401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution = up to 8% company contribution.
• Paid time off includes 15 vacation days, 9 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
• Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.

Disclaimer: Benefit offerings may vary depending on Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations.

Safety Sensitive Role: Yes

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs.

We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.

At Trane Technologies, we're climate innovators with the courage to look at our world's challenges and see endless opportunities. We aren't afraid to make bold commitments that set new standards to enhance the health and well-being of our employees, customers, communities, and the planet we share.

Learn more about what we do & how we do it.

Joining the Trane Technologies team is more than just a job – it's the beginning of a career full of purpose, impact, and meaningful contributions that challenge what's possible for a more sustainable future. Together, we know we can change the world. With an inclusive culture, benefits to support you and your family, limitless opportunities to grow, flexibility to help you balance life’s demands, and more – you'll be supported to thrive at work and at home.

Learn more about building a career with us.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to our candidates and employees who may need assistance with application or recruitment processes due to disability or impairment.

To request an accommodation, please contact us at: [e-mail]