Senior Continuous Improvement Champion - Wood Plant

Haworth, Inc; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefits

401k Match

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

On-Site Gym

Annual Bonus Programs

Volunteer Time Off

Parental Leave

Pet Insurance

Zero Waste to Landfill

Job summary

Haworth, Inc. in Holland, MI seeks a Senior Continuous Improvement Champion to drive Lean improvements on the shop floor, coaching frontline teams and solving problems at the source. You’ll design future-state value streams and implement standard work, visual management, and problem‑solving to deliver lasting results.

You will build strong cross‑functional partnerships, foster a culture of ownership, and contribute to safety, quality and efficiency improvements across wood value streams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business or similar relevant field of study
• Education Equivalency: Associate's Degree plus 2 years related experience OR 4 years related experience if no post-secondary education
• Work Experience: 5 years engineering, operations leadership, or in continuous improvement experience with Bachelor’s Degree OR 3 years with Master’s Degree
• Applicants must be able to work in Holland, MI without relocation assistance.
• Applicants must possess an unrestricted right to work in the US to be eligible for this position.

Responsibilities

• Analyze process and system data to identify trends and areas for improvement with cross-functional teams.
• Lead and manage complex process and system improvement projects from planning to execution.
• Develop and implement improvement strategies to support business objectives and drive operational excellence.
• Mentor and develop junior process improvement professionals.
• Provide guidance to other departments on improvement methodologies and tools.
• Conduct audits to assess compliance with standards and identify improvement opportunities.
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies in improvement.
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
• Utilize Haworth office software and tools.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Value Stream Mapping

Project Leadership

Data Analysis

Change Management

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Business

Education Equivalency: Associate's +2 yrs or 4 yrs if no degree

Job description

Job Title: Senior Continuous Improvement Champion - Wood Plant Posting Start Date: 9/30/26

Join the Future of Workspace Innovation at Haworth
Are you ready to shape the future of how people work, live, and thrive? At Haworth, we're not just creating furniture, we're revolutionizing the way the world interacts with spaces. As a global pioneer in workspace design since 1948, we've been pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities for over seven decades.

We're looking for visionaries like you to help write the next chapter of our story.

Discover more here !

We are currently looking for a Senior Continuous Improvement Champion to join our team in Holland, MI.

Job Overview

As a Sr. Continuous Improvement Champion, you will play a pivotal role in driving meaningful change where it matters most—on the shop floor. This is a highly fulfilling and impactful position where you’ll partner directly with frontline team members, listening, coaching, and empowering them to solve problems at the source. By building strong relationships and fostering trust, you’ll help create a culture where continuous improvement is embraced, ideas are valued, and every employee feels ownership in making the work better, safer, and more efficient.

In this role, you’ll also be designing and optimizing complex, mixed-model value streams and implementing sustainable Lean systems. From mapping current processes to leading future-state transformation, you’ll influence how work flows across the wood value streams. You’ll bring Lean principles to life through standard work, visual management, and problem-solving practices that deliver lasting results. If you’re passionate about developing people, improving culture, and making a tangible difference in performance, this role offers a powerful opportunity to grow while leaving a lasting impact.

Job Responsibilities

• Analyze process and/or system data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement while working collaboratively with cross functional teams.
• Lead and manage complex process and/or system improvement projects, overseeing all aspects from planning to execution. Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to execute.
• Develop and implement process and/or system improvement strategies to support business objectives and drive operational excellence.
• Mentor and develop junior process improvement professionals.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and support to other departments on process and/or system improvement methodologies and tools.
• Conduct process and/or system audits to assess compliance with standards and identify areas for improvement while working collaboratively with cross functional teams.
• Stay informed about industry trends, share best practices, and emerging technologies in process and/or system improvement.
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
• Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
• Performs other duties within scope as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business or similar relevant field of study
• Education Equivalency: Associate's Degree plus 2 years related experience OR 4 years related experience if no post-secondary education
• Work Experience: 5 years engineering, operations leadership, or in continuous improvement experience with Bachelor’s Degree OR 3 years with Master’s Degree
• Applicants must be able to work in Holland, MI without relocation assistance.
• Applicants must possess an unrestricted right to work in the US to be eligible for this position.

For candidates with Military experience see Military Equivalency at www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing value streams and leading value stream mapping and transformation initiatives.
• Experience balancing workloads, managing machine capacity, and implementing Lean manufacturing systems such as pull systems, Kanban, and Heijunka.
• Knowledge of Toyota Production System (TPS), Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence principles.
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvement opportunities and drive sustainable results.
• Strong emotional intelligence with the ability to influence, collaborate, and lead change across teams.
• Experience participating in Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience in operations, engineering, planning, materials, or logistics environments.
• Ability to coach and develop problem-solving skills in others.
• Strong change management and team facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and influence across teams.
• Experience optimizing complex manufacturing or mixed-model value streams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Design your future with Haworth
Headquartered in Holland Michigan, Haworth is a family owned global powerhouse at the forefront of innovation and sustainable design in the workspace interiors industry. Here, you'll have access to state of the art resources, collaborate with cross functional teams of passionate innovators, and experience a blend of global reach with personal growth opportunities. Whether you're developing new manufacturing processes, implementing smart factory solutions, or designing tomorrow's workspace solutions, you'll be empowered to make a lasting impact while growing your career.

We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference. Your hard work, dedication, and talent are the foundation of our success and enable us to build meaningful connections with our customers and each other.

At Haworth, members enjoy benefits from their first day of employment:

• 20 Days Paid Time Off: Plus, the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
• Health Benefits: Priority Health Medical options, Delta Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• 401k Match: Contribute 6% of your annual salary, and Haworth will match up to 7%.
• Insurance Coverage: Company-provided Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• On-Site Gym: Well-equipped gym, open 24/7.
• Annual Bonus Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Volunteer Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Zero Waste to Landfill

Haworth Values

At Haworth, we have a strong set of values that guide our business and help us align with our customers.

We listen to our Customers. We rely on our Members. We honor Integrity. We embrace Continuous Learning. We lead with Design. We create Value. We work to make the World better.

EEO / ADA Statement

As an EEOemployer, Haworth will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected genetic information, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, religion, height, weight, other protected group status, or any other basis protected by the laws where we employ people.

Haworth's AAP programs are available for applicant review. Requests can be made to your Recruiter to review during regular business hours.

This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.

If you have questions about any of the above policies, or if you require an ADA accommodation in the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team at (616)-393-1600.