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Continuous Improvement Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Continuous Improvement Leader

Hornell, NY · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Supporting leaders and teams in applying lean tools to real operational challenges. , * Promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. , * Sharing best practices internally ...

Job Summary Qnity is seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader to help advance our Industry 4.0 Operational Excellence journey by leading strategic improvement initiatives across manufacturing, supply ...

Job Type Full-time Description Continuous Improvement Leader Job Type Full-time San Jose, CA Full-time Permanent Onsite Salaried $125k - $140k *We are not currently working with third party agencies ...

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How much do continuous improvement leader jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for continuous improvement leader in the United States is $104,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a continuous improvement leader?

Continuous Improvement Leaders are professionals who drive and manage initiatives to enhance processes, efficiency, and quality within an organization. They use methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies that reduce waste, improve productivity, and increase customer satisfaction. These leaders work closely with cross-functional teams to foster a culture of continuous improvement and ensure that best practices are adopted throughout the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a continuous improvement leader?

To thrive as a Continuous Improvement Leader, you need expertise in process optimization, data analysis, and project management, often supported by a degree in engineering or business and Lean Six Sigma certification. Familiarity with process mapping tools, statistical software, and ERP systems is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and change management skills enable you to influence teams and drive organizational improvements. These abilities are essential for identifying inefficiencies, implementing sustainable changes, and achieving measurable business results.

How does a continuous improvement leader typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process enhancements?

A Continuous Improvement Leader regularly partners with cross-functional teams—including operations, quality, engineering, and supply chain—to identify inefficiencies and facilitate improvement initiatives. They often lead workshops such as Kaizen events, facilitate brainstorming sessions, and use data-driven analysis to align team efforts toward common goals. Effective collaboration involves not only guiding teams through Lean or Six Sigma methodologies, but also fostering open communication and building consensus for sustainable change. This collaborative approach helps ensure that process improvements are practical, widely adopted, and deliver measurable results.

What is the difference between Continuous Improvement Leader vs Process Improvement Specialist?

AspectContinuous Improvement LeaderProcess Improvement Specialist
CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, PMP (optional)Lean, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in manufacturing, healthcare, or service industriesOperational teams focusing on process analysis and optimization
Employer & Industry UsageOrganizations seeking strategic improvement initiativesDepartments implementing specific process improvements

The Continuous Improvement Leader typically oversees and drives strategic improvement projects across departments, requiring leadership and broader project management skills. In contrast, the Process Improvement Specialist focuses on analyzing and optimizing specific processes, often working hands-on with teams. Both roles often share certifications like Lean or Six Sigma but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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What cities are hiring for Continuous Improvement Leader jobs?

Cities with the most Continuous Improvement Leader job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Continuous Improvement Leader jobs?

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What states have the most Continuous Improvement Leader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Continuous Improvement Leader jobs include:

Infographic showing various Continuous Improvement Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,014 per year, or $50 per hour.

Continuous Improvement Leader

RPM International Inc.

Medina, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


RPM International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 103 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Position Summary: 

  • Responsible for leading the development and sustainment of the facility's continuous improvement program, working hands on with key stakeholders.  Encompassing: 
    • Continuous Improvement, Environment, Health & Safety, Research & Development, Quality, Supply Chain Management, plant Management 
  • Supporting in the development and delivery of data driven improvements and efficiency across the overall value chain. 
  • Strengthening, shaping, providing technical expertise, and coaching the implementation of a continuous improvement culture, encompassing core tools, frameworks, techniques, initiatives, standards, projects, and plant management processes aligned with RPM's strategic goals. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Work with facilities in collection of business baseline performance data such as OEE and Yield, aligning with tiered meetings and leading to sustained improvement activities.
  • Establishment of plant management meaningful metrics reflected in financials.
  • Lead and coach data driven continuous improvement projects and events to eliminate root causes of waste.
  • Documentation of continuous improvement activities and projects.
  • Establish plant management processes to monitor progress and reporting against standards, by hour, shift, day, week, and month.
  • Ascertain corrective and sustained preventative actions to eliminate deviations from standard.
  • Implement and coach on improvement programs to institute new standards and improved ways of working.
  • Support in collection of relevant data, leading to improvement activities.

Competency Requirements: 

  • Ability to use data analytical software such as Minitab, Power BI, JPM
  • Advanced Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Flexibility in working hours. 
  • Strategic and analytical mindset.
  • Excellent communication skills verbal and written.
  • Leadership, coaching and mentoring skills across all levels of an organization. 
  • Self-driven, motivated and ability to drive and motivate key stakeholders.
  • Ability to lead and facilitate organizational changes, inclusive of cultural change. 
  • Endorse and practice teamwork. 
  • Use Lean and statistical process control tools to get a root cause of waste.
  • Expertise and working knowledge with CI tools.
  • Strong Emotional (EQ) and Cultural Intelligence (CQ).
  • Ability to understand financial measures and how they are generated.

Experience: 

  • Minimum of 5 years' experience working in Continuous Improvement.
  • Experience of and comfortable with working in a high-paced manufacturing environment on the shop floor and in quality control
  • Experience in driving and sustaining improvements.

Qualifications: 

  • Technical degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science, Business, Management or Operations related subjects - Required. 
  • Accredited Lean Six Sigma Black Belt - Desirable
  • Accredited Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt - Desirable
  • Technical Master's Degree - Desirable

Benefits and Compensation:

The employee will be eligible to participate in all applicable corporate benefit programs which include a defined benefit pension plan, a company-matched 401(k), medical and dental plans, group life and disability plans, and employee assistance program.  The employee will also be eligible for paid vacation, PTO, paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement.  Employee will be eligible for annual merit increases and bonus. 


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