Continuous Improvement/Senior Change Agent

Trane Technologies; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 97,406 - 135,834; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K match

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Fertility coverage

Job summary

Trane Technologies is seeking a Continuous Improvement/Senior Change Agent in Grand Rapids, MI to lead Lean transformation across site operations. The ideal candidate will embed Lean principles, develop team capability, and deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.

The role requires strong change leadership, coaching of Team Leaders and Supervisors, and collaboration with site leaders to sustain improvements. On-site work with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
• Strong communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Proven leadership to energize and influence teams as a credible change agent.
• Experience facilitating 30+ Kaizen/Blitz events with measurable gains.

Responsibilities

• Conduct value stream analyses to identify inefficiencies and define a future-state vision.
• Review procedures and controls to unlock performance improvements.
• Plan and lead Lean events (Kaizen, Blitz, RIEs, JDI) to reduce waste and boost productivity.
• Coach Team Leaders and Supervisors through daily engagement and Gemba walks.
• Promote flow, pull/on-demand, zero defects, standardized work, and visual management.
• Collaborate with Sr. Value Stream Coach and Site Leader to sustain gains.
• Serve as backup to Sr. Value Stream Coach during implementation.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Operational excellence

Continuous improvement

Leadership

Kaizen events

Education

Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering degree

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.

Thrive At Work And At Home

• 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

The company designates certain roles as Safety Sensitive. Safety Sensitive roles may require that you pass additional drug screening.

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.