Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Lead (Remote)

Michael Page; Des Plaines (IL); Hybrid; USD 167,000 - 204,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

401k Match

Health/Dental/Vision coverage

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Primarily Remote Continuous Improvement Lead for our client in the Chicagoland area. The role reports to the Division CEO and drives Lean/CI initiatives across a local facility while supporting nationwide manufacturing and distribution sites.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in CI/Lean, a direct industrial manufacturing background (metals/precision preferred), and a Six Sigma certification. Onsite presence near O'Hare is expected when needed.

Qualifications

• Location in Chicagoland with ability to go onsite near O'Hare as needed.
• 10+ years leading CI and Lean initiatives in direct industrial manufacturing.
• Metals/precision manufacturing experience preferred.
• Six Sigma Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead CI and Lean initiatives across manufacturing sites and distribution centers.
• Coordinate Kaizen workshops, value stream analyses, and root cause investigations.
• Partner with automation to drive throughput and reduce manual labor.
• Develop location-specific strategies aligned with operational excellence.
• Standardize processes, best practices, and operating procedures across facilities.
• Review metrics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide training on Lean concepts and structured problem solving.
• Deploy Lean tools (5S, visual management, standard work) and sustain programs.
• Define goals, monitor progress, and communicate with executives.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Value stream analysis

Root cause analysis

Standard work

Continuous improvement leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or Industrial Management

Job description

This is a primarily remote Continuous Improvement Lead role reporting directly to the Division CEO. The position will lead and drive Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the local manufacturing facility while supporting operational excellence projects at additional manufacturing and distribution sites nationwide.

Client Details

Our client is a well-established and growing manufacturer of precision machined and cold-headed components, serving customers across the automotive, heavy-duty transportation, and industrial markets. They specialize in transforming complex engineering requirements into high-quality, cost-effective solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Description

• Collaborate with plant managers and site leadership to assess operational effectiveness and uncover opportunities for performance enhancement.
• Champion continuous improvement efforts utilizing Lean methodologies to advance safety, quality, productivity, cost efficiency, and workforce involvement.
• Lead improvement initiatives including Kaizen workshops, value stream analyses, root cause investigations, and process optimization activities.
• Partner with automation resources to evaluate and implement solutions that streamline operations, increase throughput, and minimize manual labor requirements.
• Assist in developing and executing location-specific strategies focused on operational excellence and sustainable improvement.
• Promote consistency by implementing standardized processes, best practices, and operating procedures across multiple facilities.
• Review performance metrics and operational data to identify trends, constraints, and areas for improvement.
• Provide guidance and training to plant leadership on Lean concepts, continuous improvement techniques, and structured problem-solving approaches.
• Deploy and sustain Lean manufacturing tools such as 5S, visual management systems, standard work practices, and continuous improvement programs.
• Define performance goals, establish success metrics, and monitor progress against improvement objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver improvement projects while ensuring long-term sustainability of results.
• Foster an environment that values accountability, operational excellence, employee participation, and ongoing improvement.
• Support the rollout and replication of successful operational initiatives throughout the organization.
• Ensure all improvement projects align with company standards related to safety, quality, and operational performance.
• Develop and deliver presentations, project updates, and performance reports for executive and senior leadership teams.

Profile

• Must be located in Chicagoland, with ability to go onsite as needed near O'Hare Airport
• Bachelors Degree in Industrial Engineering or Industrial Management required
• 10+ years of leading CI and Lean initiatives, projects, implementations, etc
• Must come from a direct, industrial manufacturing background
• Metals/precision manufacturing experience strongly preferred
• Six Sigma Certification
• Excellent grasp on Lean and Six Sigma tools, methodologies, and projects

Job Offer

• Salary range up to around $185,000 - upper range achievable through required experience and certifications
• Target bonus of up to 20%
• Unlimited PTO
• 401k Match
• Health/Dental/Vision coverage
• Tuition assistance
• More!

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.