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Director Lean Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dana

Lean Manufacturing Manager

Crossville, TN

Act as a change agent to ensure lean processes are deployed in improvements and become ingrained ... Work together with the Director of Operations-North American, Plant Management and the corporate ...

Wesco

Black Belt - LEAN

Lewisville, TX · On-site

Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority * Experience in ... Experience in Project Management preferred * Working knowledge of Agile methodology preferred

Valmont Industries Inc.

Lean Coordinator

Valley, NE

This position reports to the Lean Manager and has no direct reports Other Important Details about the Role: * Judgment and decision-making skills while comparing relative cost and benefit potential

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How much do director lean manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for director lean manager in the United States is $101,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Lean Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Lean Manager, you need extensive experience in Lean methodologies, process optimization, and a relevant degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt are highly beneficial. Strong leadership, change management, and communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement. These skills ensure the successful implementation of Lean initiatives, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced waste, and sustained organizational growth.

How does a Director Lean Manager typically drive cross-functional collaboration within an organization?

A Director Lean Manager often leads initiatives that require input and cooperation from multiple departments, such as operations, quality, supply chain, and finance. In this role, you will facilitate workshops, lead Kaizen events, and establish communication channels to ensure alignment on process improvement goals. Building strong relationships and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across teams is essential for success. Effective Directors also mentor team leaders and empower employees at all levels to contribute ideas, helping to sustain long-term lean transformation.

What does a Director Lean Manager do?

A Director Lean Manager is responsible for leading and implementing Lean methodologies across an organization to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall operational performance. This role involves developing strategies, training teams, and overseeing continuous improvement initiatives. They work closely with various departments to ensure processes are optimized and business goals are met. The Director Lean Manager typically reports to senior leadership and plays a key role in driving a culture of ongoing improvement.

What is the difference between Director Lean Manager vs Continuous Improvement Manager?

AspectDirector Lean ManagerContinuous Improvement Manager
CredentialsLean certifications, management experienceLean, Six Sigma certifications, process improvement skills
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, healthcare, or service industriesManufacturing, logistics, or corporate settings
Employer UsageLarge organizations with Lean initiativesCompanies focusing on process efficiency
Search IntentComparing leadership roles in Lean managementRoles focused on continuous process improvement

The main difference is that the Director Lean Manager oversees strategic Lean initiatives at a high level, often managing teams and setting policies, while the Continuous Improvement Manager focuses on implementing specific process improvements within departments. Both roles require Lean and Six Sigma certifications and are common in manufacturing and corporate environments, but the Director Lean Manager typically holds a higher leadership position with broader responsibilities.

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What cities are hiring for Director Lean Manager jobs? Cities with the most Director Lean Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lean Manager jobs? The most popular types of Lean Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Director Lean Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Lean Manager jobs include:
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Director Lean Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Lean Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,419 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Lean Manufacturing Manager

Dana

Crossville, TN

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Dana Incorporated rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Purpose

Lead, develop and implement a continuous improvement strategy for cost, quality, speed and flexibility that eliminates waste and provides outstanding levels of customer service, while also delivering process and people development using the tools of the Dana Operating System.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Demonstrate understanding, enthusiasm and passion for what DOS can accomplish in Dana and visibly promote this passion at all levels in the group.
  • Act as a change agent to ensure lean processes are deployed in improvements and become ingrained throughout the Light Vehicle.
  • Coach and develop production group in achieving established goal for the facility.
  • Facilitate the identification, selection, prioritization and assignment of projects with an emphasis on those that have breakthrough potential.
  • Lead the application of DOS tools and appropriate project planning tools to improve processes, eliminate waste, and reduce cycle time. Expand projects across the Light Vehicle North American operations and measure results.
  • Ensure Engineers / Managers connect projects and methodology to the strategies of the global business unit.
  • Identify, establish, and deliver measurable processes for continuous improvement and regularly evaluate success.
  • Lead and/or directly influence cross-business strategic initiatives, growth projects, improvement initiatives, and similar high impact projects.
  • Schedule reviews of projects and progress with Staff and Plant Managers.
  • Drive the ongoing institutionalization of solutions for assessing DOS performance in alignment with customer and financial goals.
  • Audit the DOS system at the plants on a regular basis
  • Create system for sharing best practices among all plants
  • Be responsible and accountable for project executions from inception to completion, including communication of results and verification.
  • Ensure that each plant has a DOS strategy and roadmap leading to the achievement of lean processes and lean operating practices.
  • Work together with the Director of Operations-North American, Plant Management and the corporate DOS group to achieve optimum results and consistency in each plant.

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical or scientific field and several years business experience in Supply Chain and/or Operations function.
  • Experience in one or more project leadership role(s)
  • Knowledge of Toyota Production System preferred.
  • Self-starter, organized, and driven to deliver on key tasks and accountabilities. Attentive to detail and results-oriented and capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Strong report-writing, technical presentation and communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, capable of working both independently and in a team environment.

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