Lean Transformation Lead – Manufacturing & Kaizen

nVent; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 76,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Employee stock purchase plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

nVent in Anoka, MN is seeking a Continuous Improvement Lead to advance Lean practices on the production floor. You will partner with operations, logistics, and materials teams to optimize material flow, inventory movement, and work methods through hands-on facilitation and coaching.

You will lead Kaizen events, map value streams, develop standard work, and train operators and supervisors to sustain improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2+ years of experience leading Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing, warehouse, logistics, distribution, or production.
• Practical application of Lean tools such as Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Standard Work, material and information flow, takt time analysis, and root cause problem solving.
• Experience with PFEP (Plan for Every Part), material flow design, inventory replenishment systems, Kanban, or internal logistics improvement initiatives preferred.
• Ability to quantify and communicate improvement results, including cost savings, productivity gains, or waste reduction.
• Proven ability to coach others, influence across functions, and work effectively with frontline teams and supervisors.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with proficiency in Microsoft products including Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.

Responsibilities

• Lead Kaizen events and drive Lean improvements from scoping through sustainment.
• Deliver measurable results like cost reduction, inventory accuracy, productivity gains, and throughput improvements.
• Observe gemba to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements with teams.
• Develop and reinforce standard work, visual management, and daily management practices.
• Coach operators, supervisors, and cross‑functional partners on Lean principles and tools.

Skills

Kaizen

5S

Value Stream Mapping

Standard Work

Takt Time

Root cause analysis

Lean coaching

Material flow

Inventory management

Excel

PowerPoint

Visio

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Visio

PFEP

Job description

nVent in Anoka, MN is seeking a Continuous Improvement Lead to advance Lean practices on the production floor. You will partner with operations, logistics, and materials teams to optimize material flow, inventory movement, and work methods through hands-on facilitation and coaching.

You will lead Kaizen events, map value streams, develop standard work, and train operators and supervisors to sustain improvements.