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Continuous Improvement Consultant Jobs in Illinois

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Continuous Improvement Consultant information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$80.8K

$103.7K

How much do continuous improvement consultant jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for continuous improvement consultant in Illinois is $80,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $89,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Continuous Improvement Consultant Do?

Continuous improvement consultants plan ways for a company to implement and improve its processes. In this role, you may conduct an assessment of your client's operations, identify weak spots, and recommend solutions designed to resolve each problem. Many continuous improvement consultants specialize in specific types of processes, such as Six Sigma, though others focus on personalized methodologies or techniques designed specifically for an individual company. Most consultants in this field work as outside contractors, though large companies occasionally hire full-time consultants. This job may involve a lot of travel, so the ability to fly, take trains, or drive as necessary is essential to success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Continuous Improvement Consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Continuous Improvement Consultant, you need expertise in process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and a background in business or engineering, often supported by relevant certifications. Familiarity with project management tools, data analysis software, and process mapping systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and change management skills help consultants lead initiatives and build consensus across teams. These competencies are crucial for identifying inefficiencies, driving sustainable improvements, and ensuring organizational success.

What are some common challenges Continuous Improvement Consultants face when implementing process changes within an organization?

Continuous Improvement Consultants often encounter resistance to change from employees who are accustomed to existing processes. Building trust and clearly communicating the benefits of proposed improvements are essential for overcoming skepticism. Additionally, balancing quick wins with long-term transformation and ensuring cross-functional collaboration can be challenging but are key to sustaining momentum. Successful consultants adapt their approach to fit the organization's culture and invest time in engaging stakeholders at all levels.

What are Continuous Improvement Consultants?

Continuous Improvement Consultants are professionals who specialize in analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for efficiency, quality, and productivity enhancements. They use methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to recommend and implement changes that help organizations streamline operations and reduce waste. Their goal is to foster a culture of continuous improvement, enabling companies to remain competitive and responsive to market demands. These consultants often work across various industries, leading projects, training staff, and measuring the impact of process changes.

What is the difference between Continuous Improvement Consultant vs Process Analyst?

AspectContinuous Improvement ConsultantProcess Analyst
CredentialsLean, Six Sigma certifications often preferredLean, Six Sigma, or process improvement certifications common
Work EnvironmentConsults across multiple departments or organizationsFocuses on analyzing and improving specific processes within a company
Employer & IndustryConsulting firms, manufacturing, healthcare, and service industriesManufacturing, finance, technology, and healthcare sectors

While both roles focus on process improvement, a Continuous Improvement Consultant typically works externally or across multiple departments to implement broad strategies, whereas a Process Analyst concentrates on analyzing and optimizing specific processes within an organization.

What job categories do people searching Continuous Improvement Consultant jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Continuous Improvement Consultant jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Continuous Improvement Consultant job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,846 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Manager - Continuous Improvement

RR Donnelley

Saint Charles, IL โ€ข On-site

$91.80K - $146.80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Company Description
RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions that elevate engagement across the complete customer journey. The company offers the industry's most trusted portfolio of creative execution and world-wide business process consulting, with services designed to lower environmental impact. With 22,000 clients, including 93% of the Fortune 100, and 32,000 employees across 28 countries, RRD brings the expertise, execution, and scale designed to transform customer touchpoints into meaningful moments of impact.
Job Description
RRD is seeking an experienced Manager of Continuous Improvement to join our team!
This position is hybrid and will require some travel to facilities in other states periodically.
Job Summary
The ideal candidate will have experience working in operations from various industries while applying lean manufacturing and change-management methods to transform the organization as an engaging continuous improvement culture.
Responsibilities
  • Responsible for analyzing, developing and implementing strategies to improve efficiency and minimize waste & non value add activities, while maintaining high levels of quality to meet client demands.
  • Carry out Return On Investment analysis on Improvement Projects requiring capital investment with an understanding of the Improvement value to the Business.

Engineering:
  • Ensure work measurement is carried out through time studies or other work measurement tools for production lines and warehouse fulfillment operations setting targeted production rates and throughput capacities.
  • Track key productivity measurements such as Earned Hours / Paid Hours, and lead productivity reviews.
  • Establish new productivity metrics where required.
  • Identify, minimize or eliminate waste across all operational processes Incorporate waste elimination identification and elimination into operations at manufacturing facilities.
  • Lead process improvement teams and projects using a structured project management approach such as the DMAIC methodology, delivering improved future state operational and business processes.
  • Using various process mapping tools, map out current and improved future state processes with accurate measurement systems.
  • Recommend improvements in: work methods or material handling; improvements in equipment process solutions including potential automation; layout; other changes to improve productivity.
  • Develop layouts for efficient flow and effective production and warehouse fulfillment operations.
  • Champion and lead continuous improvement teams on Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kanban, Six Sigma initiatives & tools throughout facilities.
  • Support Quality control by implementing error proof equipment solutions such as advanced vision system inspection/verification. Incorporate Quantity into manufacturing processes to control cost of Quality.
  • Support new business implementations involving new equipment and process solutions for new product lines, including Production Line/Equipment Process Verifications & Validations.
  • Project Manage Improvement Projects and new Product/Operation implementations.

Data Analysis:
  • Set up or improve productivity data tracking systems in line with the key productivity metrics, including Direct Labor hours cost and Production Output data.
  • Prepare reports, charts, graphs, etc., to clearly present site KPIs in a summarized but effective manner and quantify improved KPIs.
  • Conduct regularly scheduled review of KPIs and gap analysis suggesting Cost Improvement initiatives
  • Establish and drive the on-going tracking of CI metrics.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related field
  • Minimum 5+ years related experience in a senior Engineering, Production and Warehouse fulfillment environment.
  • Experience in Assembly Process design, print Labels and Packaging Materials Manufacturing experience.
  • Lean Six Sigma/Six Sigma Black Belt certifications are preferred.
  • PMP certification is a plus.
  • Knowledge of single piece flow and machine batch processing layout/models optimization.
  • Proficient in Google Suite, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Auto-Cad or Solid Works, MS Project.
  • Exceptional communication skills with all levels of the organization.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work well with large and diverse teams across multiple time zones.
  • Experience with task scheduling and resource assignment.
  • Experience with project management practices and tools to create, manage, and track project performance, cost, and scope required.

Additional Information
RRD's current salary range for this role is $91,800.00 to $146,800.00. The salary range may be adjusted based on the applicable geographic location of the hired employee, and the range may change in the future. At RRD, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift and location. Depending on the role, in addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. RRD's benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts.
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All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of both a pre-employment background and drug screen.
RRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans