Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Leader

Hitachi Vantara Corporation; South Boston (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy in South Boston is seeking a Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Leader to drive Lean execution across the Distribution Transformers factory. You will guide the Lean operating system, empower teams, and partner with the Factory Manager to accelerate operational excellence across the value chain.

You will lead strategic breakthrough initiatives, coach Lean capability, and strengthen problem-solving to deliver measurable improvements for customers and the business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business.
• 10+ years in Lean operating systems and continuous improvement within manufacturing or transactional environments.
• Experience implementing major Lean systems (Toyota, Danaher, Honeywell or similar).
• Lean/Six Sigma certifications (Lean Master, Lean Expert, Black Belt) preferred.
• Demonstrated success delivering breakthrough improvements.
• Strong communication, influence and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment and maturity growth of the ITM System across the factory.
• Drive breakthrough improvement using Lean tools such as 5S, Daily Management and Value Stream Mapping.
• Facilitate strategy deployment, goal‑setting, Kaizen planning and Leader Standard Work.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to elevate KPIs and optimize processes.
• Lead cost‑out and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Build Lean capability through coaching, training and mentoring.
• Champion a culture of engagement, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure sustained performance through structured problem-solving and gap‑closure actions.

Skills

Lean operating systems

Leadership

Change management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or business

Tools

5S

Value Stream Mapping

Daily Management

Lean Master

Black Belt

Job description

Job Description:

Inspire the next era of sustainable energy with Hitachi Energy, where your work fuels a brighter, more resilient future. As our Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Leader in South Boston for

Distribution Transformers, you will shape how our operations evolve and thrive. This is your chance to lead transformational change within a global organization committed to making energy more sustainable, secure, and accessible to all.

In this role, you will guide the factory’s Lean operating system, ensuring our teams are empowered, our processes are future‑ready, and our strategy is brought to life through world‑class execution. You will collaborate closely with the Factory Manager and leadership team, becoming a trusted partner and catalyst for continuous improvement that accelerates operational excellence across the entire value chain.

From developing strategic breakthrough initiatives, to building Lean capability, to strengthening our coaching culture—your leadership will unlock new performance levels and help our teams deliver meaningful impact for our customers, our business and our planet.

How you’ll make an impact

• Lead deployment and maturity growth of the ITM System across the factory.

• Drive breakthrough improvement using Lean tools such as 5S, Daily Management and Value Stream Mapping.

• Facilitate strategy deployment, goal‑setting, Kaizen planning and Leader Standard Work.

• Partner with cross-functional teams to elevate KPIs and optimize processes.

• Lead cost‑out and productivity improvement initiatives.

• Build Lean capability through coaching, training and mentoring.

• Champion a culture of engagement, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Ensure sustained performance through structured problem-solving and gap‑closure actions.

Your background

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business.

• 10+ years in Lean operating systems and continuous improvement within manufacturing or transactional environments.

• Experience implementing major Lean systems (Toyota, Danaher, Honeywell or similar).

• Lean/Six Sigma certifications (Lean Master, Lean Expert, Black Belt) preferred.

• Demonstrated success delivering breakthrough improvements.

• Strong communication, influence and leadership capabilities.

More about us

• We are committed to inspiring the next era of sustainable energy and empowering societies to thrive.

• We invest deeply in our people, technology and global footprint to drive innovation and long‑term growth.

• You’ll join an organization that values development, supports career progression and fosters a culture of safety, integrity and collaboration.

Responsible to ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures and guidelines.

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