Remote Lean Transformation Director – Multi-Site

Apera; Illinois; Remote; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera is seeking a Continuous Improvement Director to drive Lean and operational excellence across a national multi-site manufacturing network. This remote role requires 30% travel to facilities and close collaboration with General Managers and automation teams to reduce waste and boost productivity.

The ideal candidate will coach leadership teams, implement sustainable systems, and deliver measurable results across safety, quality, and cost metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, Lean, or continuous improvement.
• Experience leading Lean transformation or operational excellence initiatives.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events and process improvement projects.
• Experience working in multi-site manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting automation initiatives.
• Experience implementing operational management systems and KPI scorecards.

Responsibilities

• Partner with General Managers and site leadership to assess performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Lead Lean initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and problem-solving workshops.
• Collaborate with automation resources to increase productivity and reduce labor.
• Develop and execute site-specific improvement roadmaps.
• Drive standardization of best practices, work methods, and operating processes across facilities.
• Analyze data and KPIs to identify trends and bottlenecks.
• Coach plant leadership on Lean principles and problem-solving.
• Implement and sustain Lean systems including 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, Kaizen.
• Establish targets and track project results.
• Promote accountability and continuous improvement culture.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Data analysis

Facilitation

Change leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business/Operations Management/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Power BI

MS Office

Job description

Apera is seeking a Continuous Improvement Director to drive Lean and operational excellence across a national multi-site manufacturing network. This remote role requires 30% travel to facilities and close collaboration with General Managers and automation teams to reduce waste and boost productivity.

The ideal candidate will coach leadership teams, implement sustainable systems, and deliver measurable results across safety, quality, and cost metrics.