Senior Continuous Improvement Champion - Wood Plant
Haworth
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Haworth is seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Champion to lead lean transformation on the shop floor in Holland, MI. You will partner with frontline team members to coach problem-solving, standard work, and visual management to deliver lasting improvements.
You'll design and optimize mixed-model value streams, drive future-state transformation, and foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous learning across teams. This is a high-impact role with growth opportunities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business or a related field.
- Authorized to work in the United States without relocation assistance.
- 5 years engineering/operations leadership or CI experience with a Bachelor's degree or 3 years with a Master's.
Responsibilities
- Analyze processes and data to identify improvement opportunities with cross-functional teams.
- Lead complex process improvement projects from planning to execution.
- Develop and implement strategies to support business objectives and lean initiatives.
- Mentor junior CI professionals and share best practices.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on process improvement methods and tools.
- Conduct audits to assess compliance and drive improvements.
Skills
Education
Job description
life insurance, vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), relocation assistance
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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