Mgr Continuous Improvement

GATX Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 112,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

GATX Corporation in Chicago, IL seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager to advance operational excellence across GATX Rail North America, including Repair Service Centers. This role leads strategic Lean initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost and people engagement through data-driven problem solving and structured methodologies.

You will coach teams in A3 thinking, PDCA and root cause analysis, partner with functional leaders, and ensure sustained improvements by establishing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or Industrial Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership driving operational excellence.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred.
• Travel up to 35% across GATX facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Kaizen/Blitz to drive sustainable change.
• Analyze data and scope improvement opportunities.
• Develop ownership and track realized improvements.
• Establish baselines and monitor KPIs.
• Coach teams in A3 thinking, PDCA, and root-cause analysis.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

KPI development

Visual management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or Industrial Engineering

Tools

5S

Standard Work

Daily Visual Management (DVM)

Job description

Overview

Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Chicago, IL, GATX Corporation (NYSE: GATX) is an industry leader with 125+ years of success—success that is powered by our people. We are proud of our high-performance culture, hard-working and enthusiastic management team, and beautiful office space in the Willis Tower.

At GATX, we hire the best and offer our employees a dynamic, energetic, collaborative environment to enable them to make an impact from day one. Enjoy the perks and benefits of a global company with the close-knit culture and community of a much smaller one. In the same way we strive to empower our customers to propel the world forward, we are dedicated to providing our people with the tools and resources they need to advance in their careers.

The Continuous Improvement Manager plays a pivotal role in driving operational excellence across GATX Rail North America, including our Repair Service Centers. This position is responsible for leading strategic process improvement initiatives focused on improving Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People engagement by applying Lean methodologies and structured problem-solving techniques. This role will help in identifying systemic improvement opportunities and build operational discipline for sustainable performance improvement. The ideal candidate is passionate about transforming processes, optimizing operations, and using data-driven insights to deliver measurable results.

Responsibilities

Lead Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Kaizen/Blitz activities to drive change with sustainable results

• Analyze data, identify and scope improvement opportunities
• Acquire cross functional involvement
• Develop ownership for results
• Responsible for establishing baseline and tracking/reporting realized improvement
• Ensure improvements are sustained

Lead projects supporting strategic initiatives identified through Hoshin Kanri/Goal Deployment processes including,

• Drive implementation and sustainment of 5S, Standard Work, Daily Visual Management (DVM)
• Establish and Lead Value Stream initiatives to improve operational flow
• Support facility capital projects to ensure process optimization and operational readiness
• Establish and monitor key operational performance indicators aligned with business objectives

Educate in the pursuit of creating a problem-solving culture to achieve goals within the organization:

• Coach in A3 thinking, PDCA, Root Cause Analysis and other problem-solving methodologies
• Facilitate and empower teams to engage in local problem-solving
• Teach others to lead their own events, and initiate rapid change at all levels of the organization

The Continuous Improvement Manager collaborates closely with functional leaders, service center managers, and shop floor personnel to drive meaningful change. Through direct engagement and a hands-on approach, the individual exemplifies the Lean principle of “Go See, Ask Why, Show Respect,” fostering trust and credibility across all levels of the organization.

In addition, the role requires strong communication and influence skills to effectively prepare, present, and advocate for recommendations and decisions to project sponsors and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering or other relevant discipline is required
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience driving operational excellence, Lean transformation in industrial environment
• Experience in a low-volume/high-mix industry or multiple, varied industries is preferred
• Experience with data analysis, KPI development, and visual performance management systems preferred
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred
• Project Management certification and experience a plus
• Travel requirements vary with assignments but could be as much as 35% of the time across GATX fixed facilities.
• Must be physically able to climb on equipment within a maintenance facility, stand on foot for extended periods in a plant environment.

Posting Duration

This posting will remain open until the role is filled. As of the post date, the salary range for this position is:

Min

USD $111,800.00/Yr.

Max

USD $141,000.00/Yr.

This role may be eligible to participate in the Company’s short-term incentive plan, the details of which will be provided to the applicant upon hire. This range is a reasonable estimate and takes into account several factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including, but not limited to, geographic location, skill set, experience, education, training, internal equity, and other business needs.