Lean Practitioner

IWCO; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading operational excellence firm in Minneapolis seeks a Talent Acquisition Leader to drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives. This role involves leading projects, mentoring teams, and analyzing operational data to enhance quality and performance. The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor’s degree, relevant certifications, and a minimum of 5 years experience in Lean or Six Sigma methodologies. The position offers a starting salary range of $70k-$80k per year.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Lean or Six Sigma experience in a relevant environment.
• Proven ability to lead Kaizen events and manage cross‑functional projects.
• Must have strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement through Lean Six Sigma projects.
• Analyze operating data to identify trends and improvement priorities.
• Mentor and coach leaders in Lean principles application.

Skills

Data analytics

Lean Six Sigma methodologies

Collaboration

Project management

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or Business

Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Talent Acquisition Leader | Change Driver | Solution Oriented

The Lean Practitioner drives operational excellence by applying Lean Six Sigma tools to improve quality, efficiency, and performance. This role analyzes key data, leads Kaizen events and improvement projects, and partners with cross‑functional teams to implement sustainable process enhancements that support the company’s continuous improvement goals.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, and interpret operating data—such as cycle times, quality metrics, and safety performance—to identify trends and set improvement priorities.
• Lead and manage Lean Six Sigma projects and Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement and optimize process performance.
• Prepare and present detailed project analyses and performance reports to leadership.
• Utilize Value Stream Mapping to identify improvement opportunities, define key priorities, and establish baseline performance metrics.
• Mentor and coach cross‑functional leaders in the application and integration of Lean principles across operations.
• Facilitate the design and documentation of workflows, process inputs/outputs, and ownership for new equipment installations, front‑end processes, and operational workflows.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and proactive problem‑solving with manufacturing operations personnel and leaders.
• Empower manufacturing employees to identify and eliminate waste using structured Lean tools.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.
• Strong data analytics and reporting skills, including the ability to interpret complex datasets and create meaningful dashboards.
• In-depth knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, tools, and implementation strategies.
• Proven ability to lead Kaizen events and manage cross‑functional improvement projects.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with strong organizational, prioritization, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with teams across all levels of leadership.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to fast‑paced, rapidly changing environments.>
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Visio, PowerPoint, Teams).

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of Lean or Six Sigma experience, preferably in print/direct mail or manufacturing environments.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) or equivalent formal training required.
• Demonstrated experience as a Lean Six Sigma Practitioner or in a similar process improvement role.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work 8 hours consecutively and maintain consistent focus throughout the workday.
• Regular presence on the production floor during Gemba walks, Kaizen events, and project activities.
• Periods of prolonged sitting and computer‑based work.
• Occasional travel may be required to support projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

The starting salary range for this position is $70k-$80k/yr.

At IWCO, base pay is determined by job‑related knowledge, skills, credentials, and experience, along with factors such as role scope and location. Candidates seeking compensation outside of the posted range are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on their individual qualifications and/or may be considered for other positions.

IWCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome diversity and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law. Accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities upon request. Contact our HR Department for more information.