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Continuous Improvement Team Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead, Continuous Improvement

Aurora, IL · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

As a key contributor to the Continuous Improvement team, this Engineer will help assess processes ... Lead Continuous Improvement projects by identifying high value losses (i.e. in yield, output ...

The Continuous Improvement Lead is a key operational leader responsible for making Run-to-Target ... Build RTT capability across frontline team members, team leaders, and plant leadership * Coach ...

The Continuous Improvement Lead is a key operational leader responsible for making Run-To-Target ... Build RTT capability across frontline team members, team leaders, and plant leadership * Coach ...

The Continuous Improvement Lead is a key operational leader responsible for making Run-to-Target ... Build RTT capability across frontline team members, team leaders, and plant leadership * Coach ...

Continuous Improvement Lead

Cranston, RI · On-site

$73K - $122K/yr

The Continuous Improvement Lead is a key operational leader responsible for making Run-To-Target ... Build RTT capability across frontline team members, team leaders, and plant leadership * Coach ...

The Continuous Improvement Lead is a key operational leader responsible for making Run-To-Target ... Build RTT capability across frontline team members, team leaders, and plant leadership * Coach ...

Continuous Improvement Lead

Lima, OH · On-site

$73K - $122K/yr

The Continuous Improvement Lead is a key operational leader responsible for making Run-to-Target ... Build RTT capability across frontline team members, team leaders, and plant leadership * Coach ...

Lead and govern continuous improvement initiatives across Supply Chain Operations using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. * Partner with the Associate Director, Continuous Improvement and Operations ...

Build and monitor the site's continuous improvement roadmap (OEE and productivity) * Lead a monthly ... Develop a team of pilots and support them * Regularly present project status to senior management ...

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Continuous Improvement Team Lead information

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$31K

$104K

$144K

How much do continuous improvement team lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for continuous improvement team lead 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 are some common challenges faced by a Continuous Improvement Team Lead, and how can they be addressed?

Continuous Improvement Team Leads often face challenges such as resistance to change, aligning cross-functional teams, and maintaining momentum for improvement initiatives. To address these issues, it's important to foster open communication, involve stakeholders early in the process, and provide ongoing training and support. Building a culture that values feedback and recognizes small wins can also help sustain engagement and drive lasting improvements across the organization.

What does a Continuous Improvement Team Lead do?

A Continuous Improvement Team Lead is responsible for guiding teams in identifying, analyzing, and implementing process improvements within an organization. They use methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen to streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance productivity. The role involves collaborating with different departments, training team members, and tracking the outcomes of improvement initiatives. Ultimately, their goal is to foster a culture of ongoing improvement and operational excellence.

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

To thrive as a Continuous Improvement Team Lead, you need expertise in process optimization, project management, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma methodologies, and related certifications (such as Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt) is typically expected. Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills help drive team engagement and foster a culture of innovation. These skills are crucial for identifying process inefficiencies, implementing sustainable improvements, and ensuring organizational growth.

Is continuous improvement a good career path?

A career as a Continuous Improvement Team Lead offers opportunities to develop skills in process analysis, project management, and change management. It is valued across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and technology, often requiring certifications like Lean or Six Sigma. The role can lead to advancement into operations management or strategic roles.

How much does a continuous improvement specialist make?

A continuous improvement specialist typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Salaries can vary based on certifications like Lean or Six Sigma and the size of the organization.

What are the 5 keys to continuous improvement?

For a Continuous Improvement Team Lead, the five keys to continuous improvement are identifying areas for enhancement, implementing incremental changes, measuring results, fostering a culture of ongoing learning, and engaging team members in problem-solving. These principles help drive efficiency, quality, and innovation within processes and teams. Skills in data analysis, process mapping, and change management support effective application of these keys.

What is the difference between Continuous Improvement Team Lead vs Process Engineer?

AspectContinuous Improvement Team LeadProcess Engineer
CredentialsLean, Six Sigma certifications often preferredEngineering degree, Six Sigma beneficial
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, production, or service industries focusing on process optimizationManufacturing, industrial settings, or product development
Employer & Industry UsageCompanies seeking to enhance efficiency through team leadershipOrganizations improving or designing processes and systems
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on leadership in continuous improvement initiativesFocus on process design and optimization

The Continuous Improvement Team Lead primarily oversees improvement projects and leads teams to implement efficiency strategies, often requiring certifications like Lean or Six Sigma. Process Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and optimizing processes, typically with an engineering background. While both roles aim to improve operational performance, the Team Lead emphasizes leadership and project management, whereas the Process Engineer concentrates on technical process development.

What does a continuous improvement leader do?

A continuous improvement team lead oversees initiatives to enhance processes, efficiency, and quality within an organization. They analyze workflows, implement best practices, and lead teams to achieve operational goals, often using tools like Lean or Six Sigma. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and process analysis are essential for this role.
More about Continuous Improvement Team Lead jobs
Infographic showing various Continuous Improvement Team Lead job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,014 per year, or $50 per hour.
Continuous Improvement Team Leader

Continuous Improvement Team Leader

Kraft Heinz Company

Massillon, OH • On-site

$27.04 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 432 rated food and drinks producers


Job description


Location
Massillon Ohio
Benefits & Compensation Overview
Competitive Health, Vision, and Dental benefits
Company match 401(k) Plan
Company-paid Short Term Disability benefits.
Pay
The starting hourly wage for this role is $27.04 - $31 per hour.
Work Schedule
Full-time position
Monday - Friday, 1st shift, 6:00am - 2:30pm
OT as needed
Position Summary
The CI Lead is a core member of the Process Area Trio (Process Owner, Maintenance Lead, and CI Lead) within the KHMS Trio Excellence Pathway. The role owns the deployment, coaching, and sustainment of KHMS continuous-improvement methodologies at the process-area level to systematically eliminate losses and drive Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvement. While the position is scheduled on day shift, the incumbent must be flexible to work and provide coverage across all shifts to support training, health checks, problem-solving, and standard deployment across the 24-hour operation.
Key Responsibilities (KHMS-Aligned)
Problem Solving & Loss Elimination
  • Train and coach Operators, Team Leaders, and Maintenance on the KHMS Problem Solving Chapter and the escalation process.
  • Define 5W-1H triggers based on Performance Board downtime (e.g., three consecutive hours "red" for the same reason triggers a 5W-1H) and drive use of 5Why, troubleshooting guides, and related tools.
  • Continuously review and update KHMS standards, implementing countermeasures (CILs, Centerlines, etc.) to eliminate losses and monitor compliance.

5S & Visual Management
  • Train Operators, Team Leaders, and Maintenance in 5S; assign Process Area 5S Champions; and develop/execute a 5S implementation plan across all five categories (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, sustain).
  • Establish shiftly 5S evaluation checks, weekly Trio/Team Leader audits, and 5S compliance tracking within the Level 1 and Daily Performance Meeting (DPM/POWR Board).

Daily Management System (DMS) Support
  • Support CIL (Clean, Inspect, Lube), Centerline, Defect Handling, and Breakdown Elimination routines, including health checks, and use top-loss analysis from Operational/Daily Performance Meetings to prioritize activities.
  • Contribute to the Daily Performance Meeting by supporting identification of root causes of top losses and driving systemic fixes and standard updates.

Coaching & Capability Building
  • Provide feedback and retrain the appropriate groups (Operators, Maintenance, Team Leaders) on updated standards, building autonomous ownership of KPIs and improvements at the process-area level.

Working Relationships
Works cross-functionally with the entire plant - CI Manager, Plant Manager, Trios, Functional Managers, Plant/Line 5S Champions, Team Leaders, Operators, and Maintenance Technicians.
Qualifications & Competencies
  • Working knowledge of KHMS methodologies: Problem Solving (5Why, 5W-1H), 5S, CIL, Centerline, Defect Handling, and Breakdown Elimination.
  • Demonstrated ability to train, coach, and drive adoption of standards at the shop-floor level.
  • Strong facilitation and root-cause analysis skills tied to OEE and loss-elimination outcomes.

Shift & Physical Requirements
  • Primary schedule is day shift; must be available and willing to work all shifts (including off-shifts and weekends as needed) to deliver training, conduct health checks, and support problem-solving across the full operation.
  • Manufacturing plant-floor environment requiring Gemba presence, walking/standing, and adherence to all safety and food-safety standards.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Massillon - Hourly
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com

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