Lead Continuous Improvement Champion

Haworth, Inc; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health Benefits

401k Match

Disability Insurance

On-Site Gym

Tuition Reimbursement

Pet Insurance

Annual Bonus Programs

Job summary

Haworth, Inc. in Holland, MI seeks a Lead Continuous Improvement Champion to drive the Haworth Manufacturing Operating System (HMS) across North America. You will lead lean improvements, coach leaders, and partner with operations, finance, IT, and other functions to deliver measurable performance gains.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, change management, and adopting innovations to sustain competitive advantage while managing budgets and resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or equivalent.
• Education Equivalency: Associate's degree plus 2 years related experience or,
• High school diploma plus 4 years related experience.
• 7 years of experience in engineering, operations leadership, or in continuous improvement with Bachelor’s Degree.
• Or 5 years of experience in engineering, operations leadership, or in continuous improvement with Master's Degree.
• Military Equivalency: https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement continuous improvement strategies, policies, and standards aligned with organizational goals, ensuring sustainable improvements across processes and systems.
• Lead, mentor, and coach teams and leaders on Lean principles, tools, and continuous improvement methodologies to build organizational capability and drive results.
• Partner with leaders across operations, finance, IT, and other functions to identify opportunities, solve complex problems using Lean principles, and implement improvements that support business objectives.
• Utilize strong influence and change leadership skills to gain alignment, overcome resistance, and drive adoption of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote a culture of innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices to enhance operational effectiveness and maintain a competitive advantage.
• Work within established budgets and allocate resources effectively to maximize the impact of continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Lean principles

Change leadership

Coaching

Leadership

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or equivalent

Education Equivalency: Associate's degree + 2 years related experience; High school diploma + 4 years related experience

Tools

HMS

Value Stream Mapping

Toyota Production System

Kata Coaching

Job description

Job Title: Lead Continuous Improvement Champion

Posting Start Date: 10/12/26

Continue the Future of Workspace Innovation at Haworth
Are you ready to shape the future of how people work, live, and thrive? At Haworth, we're not just creating furniture, we're revolutionizing the way the world interacts with spaces. As a global pioneer in workspace design since 1948, we've been pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities for over seven decades.

We're looking for visionaries like you to help write the next chapter of our story.

We are currently looking for a Lead Continuous Improvement Champion to join our corporate team in Holland, MI.

As a Lead Continuous Improvement Champion, you will:

Provide strategic leadership, coaching, and lean manufacturing expertise across North America operations, driving improvements in customer experience, member engagement, and business performance. This role partners with manufacturing leaders to foster a culture of continuous improvement through the Haworth Manufacturing Operating System (HMS), guiding the successful implementation of lean principles and the HMS 8 Value Stream criteria across nine manufacturing locations. Leveraging industry best practices and innovative problem-solving, you will develop and implement sustainable solutions that optimize processes, enhance operational excellence, and deliver measurable business results.

Essential Functions

Develop and implement continuous improvement strategies, policies, and standards aligned with organizational goals, ensuring sustainable improvements across processes and systems.

Lead, mentor, and coach teams and leaders on Lean principles, tools, and continuous improvement methodologies to build organizational capability and drive results.

Partner with leaders across operations, finance, IT, and other functions to identify opportunities, solve complex problems using Lean principles, and implement improvements that support business objectives.

Utilize strong influence and change leadership skills to gain alignment, overcome resistance, and drive adoption of continuous improvement initiatives.

Promote a culture of innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices to enhance operational effectiveness and maintain a competitive advantage.

Work within established budgets and allocate resources effectively to maximize the impact of continuous improvement initiatives.

• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
• Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
• Performs other duties within scope as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or equivalent.
• Education Equivalency:
  • Associate's degree plus 2 years related experience or,
  • High school diploma plus 4 years related experience.

Work Experience:

• 7 years of experience in engineering, operations leadership, or in continuous improvement with Bachelor’s Degree.
  • Or 5 years of experience in engineering, operations leadership, or in continuous improvement with Master's Degree.
• Military Equivalency: https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military

Additionally:

• Ability to work in Holland, MI without relocation assistance.
• Current and continuing right to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Kata Coaching
• Lean Manufacturing
• Value Stream Mapping experience
• Toyota Production System experience
• Lean Certification

#LI-CD1

Design your future with Haworth
Headquartered in Holland Michigan, Haworth is a family owned global powerhouse at the forefront of innovation and sustainable design in the workspace interiors industry. Here, you'll have access to state of the art resources, collaborate with cross functional teams of passionate innovators, and experience a blend of global reach with personal growth opportunities. Whether you're developing new manufacturing processes, implementing smart factory solutions, or designing tomorrow's workspace solutions, you'll be empowered to make a lasting impact while growing your career.

We believe in the power of collaboration and stride to create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference. Your hard work, dedication, and talent are the foundation of our success and enable us to build meaningful connections with our customers and each other.

At Haworth, members enjoy benefits from their first day of employment:

• 20 Days Paid Time Off: Plus, the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
• Health Benefits: Priority Health Medical options, Delta Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• 401k Match: Contribute 6% of your annual salary, and Haworth will match up to 7%.
• Insurance Coverage: Company-provided Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• On-Site Gym: Well-equipped gym, open 24/7.
• Annual Bonus Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Pet Insurance

Haworth Values

At Haworth, we have a strong set of values that guide our business and help us align with our customers.

We listen to our Customers. We rely on our Members. We honor Integrity. We embrace Continuous Learning. We lead with Design. We create Value. We work to make the World better.

EEO / ADA Statement

As an EEOemployer, Haworth will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected genetic information, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, religion, height, weight, other protected group status, or any other basis protected by the laws where we employ people.

Haworth's AAP programs are available for applicant review. Requests can be made to your Recruiter to review during regular business hours.

This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.

If you have questions about any of the above policies, or if you require an ADA accommodation in the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team at (616)-393-1600.