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Kaizen Management Chicago Jobs (NOW HIRING)

James Hardie

Lean Manager

Cleburne, TX · On-site

S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities ... work, visual management, 5S, Kaizen, structured problem solving, and strategy deployment.

James Hardie

Lean Manager

Cleburne, TX

S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities ... work, visual management, 5S, Kaizen, structured problem solving, and strategy deployment.

James Hardie

Lean Manager

Cleburne, TX

S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities ... work, visual management, 5S, Kaizen, structured problem solving, and strategy deployment.

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$43K

$111.7K

$150.5K

How much do kaizen management chicago jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for kaizen management chicago in the United States is $111,655.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Kaizen Management Chicago vs Continuous Improvement Specialist?

AspectKaizen Management ChicagoContinuous Improvement Specialist
CredentialsLean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen certifications often preferredLean, Six Sigma, or related certifications common
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, production, or operational settings in ChicagoVarious industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and services
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, logistics, and process-driven companies in ChicagoOrganizations seeking process optimization across industries

Kaizen Management Chicago focuses on implementing continuous improvement strategies using Kaizen principles within Chicago-based companies. In contrast, a Continuous Improvement Specialist may work across multiple industries and locations, applying similar methodologies to enhance processes. Both roles require related certifications and emphasize process optimization, but their scope and industry focus differ.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Kaizen Management at a firm in Chicago?

A typical day in Kaizen Management involves analyzing existing business processes, facilitating team workshops to identify areas for improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement incremental changes. Professionals often gather data, monitor key performance indicators, and provide regular progress updates to leadership. The role requires balancing hands-on support with strategic planning, and it offers opportunities to drive measurable improvements in efficiency and quality across various departments.

What is Kaizen Management and what do they do in Chicago?

Kaizen Management in Chicago is a consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations improve their processes and efficiency using the Kaizen philosophy. Kaizen, a Japanese term meaning 'continuous improvement,' involves making small, incremental changes to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall performance. The firm typically works with businesses in various industries to identify areas for improvement, implement lean management strategies, and foster a culture of ongoing development among employees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kaizen Manager in Chicago, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kaizen Manager, you need expertise in continuous improvement methodologies (such as Lean and Six Sigma), strong analytical skills, and experience in process optimization, typically supported by a relevant degree in business, engineering, or operations management. Familiarity with process mapping tools, statistical analysis software, and recognized certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt are commonly required. Outstanding communication, facilitation, and leadership abilities help drive cross-functional teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement. These skills are vital to identify inefficiencies, implement sustainable solutions, and deliver measurable value to organizations.
What cities are hiring for Kaizen Management Chicago jobs? Cities with the most Kaizen Management Chicago job openings:
What states have the most Kaizen Management Chicago jobs? States with the most job openings for Kaizen Management Chicago jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Kaizen Management Chicago jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kaizen Management Chicago jobs are:
Kaizen Management Chicago jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kaizen Management Chicago job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,655 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Lean Manager

Lean Manager

James Hardie

Cleburne, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

James Hardie rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.
With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we're united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.
Summary
Reporting to the North American Lean Leader, the Central Lean Manager is responsible for leading and supporting Lean transformation across multiple North American manufacturing sites. This role partners directly with plant leadership teams to build Lean capability, strengthen daily management practices, improve operational performance, and create sustainable systems that enable safe, predictable, and profitable growth. The Central Lean Manager serves as a coach, change leader, and strategic business partner who helps sites embed the Hardie Manufacturing Operating System (HMOS) into daily work. This position may be based at a plant location or at the corporate office in Chicago. Travel is expected to range from 25% to 75%, depending on location and business needs.
What You'll Do:
The Central Lean Manager leads through influence across a matrixed manufacturing environment, focusing on:
Lean Strategy & Deployment
  • Partner with plant and functional leaders to translate business priorities into targeted Lean roadmaps.
  • Deploy HMOS standards, routines, and systems across sites.
  • Align Lean initiatives to measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and engagement.
  • Use data and observation to prioritize high-impact improvement opportunities.

Daily Management & Standard Work
  • Coach sites on Daily Management Systems, including tiered meetings, visual management, and escalation routines.
  • Strengthen operator and leader standard work to improve consistency and sustain results.
  • Reinforce use of gemba walks, layered verification, and coaching routines.
  • Ensure Lean systems are practical, visible, and owned by site leadership.

Kaizen & Problem Solving
  • Lead and coach Kaizen (VOO) events that address critical business challenges.
  • Manage the improvement funnel from opportunity identification through sustainment.
  • Build capability in structured problem solving (PDCA, root cause analysis, A3, 5 Whys).
  • Deliver measurable results with clear ownership and follow-up actions.

Coaching & Capability Building
  • Teach and mentor leaders and teams in Lean principles and HMOS standards.
  • Develop leader capability in proactive process management and coaching.
  • Build self-sufficiency at sites to sustain improvements independently.
  • Facilitate learning through hands-on coaching, training, and workshops.

Change Management & Sustainment
  • Lead change through stakeholder alignment, engagement, and clear communication.
  • Remove barriers and address systemic issues to drive adoption.
  • Establish sustainment mechanisms to maintain standards and performance.
  • Share and adapt best practices across sites.

Business Results & Performance Management
  • Measure and report Lean impact using operational and financial metrics.
  • Link improvement activity to key outcomes (safety, quality, cost, productivity, etc.).
  • Support planning processes by identifying Lean-driven opportunities.
  • Track leading and lagging indicators to assess adoption and effectiveness.

What You'll Bring:
  • 7+ years of progressive experience in Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, operational excellence, or manufacturing leadership, including at least 5 years leading cross-functional improvement initiatives or transformation efforts in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong practical application of Lean principles, including daily management, standard work, visual management, 5S, Kaizen, structured problem solving, and strategy deployment.
  • Demonstrated ability to coach, influence, and build capability across all levels of the organization, from frontline operators to senior leadership, within a complex, matrixed environment.
  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to drive alignment across functions, sites, and stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical and business acumen, with the ability to connect continuous improvement activities to operational and financial performance.
  • Proven ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and deliver results in dynamic, resource-constrained environments.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, supply chain, or a related field preferred; advanced degree (e.g., MBA or Master's) is a plus.
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent transformation experience preferred.
  • Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations and leading Lean maturity assessments, Daily Management Systems, and leader/operator standard work is desirable.

What You'll Receive:
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $114,000K to $135,000K. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.
At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.
  • Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
  • Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
  • Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
  • Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
  • Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
  • Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
  • Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie

#LI-DW1
James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

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