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Lean Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lean Leader

Duncan, SC ยท On-site

$104K - $149K/yr

Lean Leader Who will you be working with? You will partner with cross-functional teams across manufacturing, quality, engineering, and operations to support safe, efficient, and high-quality ...

TPM/Lean Leader

Greenwood, IN

$122K - $158K/yr

TPM/Lean Leader At Endress+Hauser, progress happens by working together. As the global leader in measurement instrumentation, our ~17,000 employees shape the future in the field of process automation.

TPM/Lean Leader

Greenwood, IN ยท On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

TPM/Lean Leader At Endress+Hauser, progress happens by working together. As the global leader in measurement instrumentation, our ~17,000 employees shape the future in the field of process automation.

The Regional Lean Leader is responsible for building and sustaining Lean Enterprise capability across a regional network of manufacturing, distribution, and back-office locations. This role is ...

Plant Lean Leader

York, PA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Can show certifications from a reputable lean leading company. * Has demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise without authority. * Proficiency in Microsoft Suite ...

This role will be based in Midland, TX with travel to Carlsbad, NM, and will work closely with field operations, engineering, and leadership teams to embed Lean Management Framework principles and ...

Lean Coach

Midland, TX ยท On-site

Lean Coach Location : Midland/Carlsbad Skill Sets Needed : project management, field operations ... Ability to work directly with field operations and leadership * Exposure to breadth of EM ...

Plant Lean Leader

York, PA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Can show certifications from a reputable lean leading company. * Has demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise without authority. * Proficiency in Microsoft Suite ...

This role will be based in Midland, TX with travel to Carlsbad, NM, and will work closely with field operations, engineering, and leadership teams to embed Lean Management Framework principles and ...

Can show certifications from a reputable lean leading company. * Has demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise without authority. * Proficiency in Microsoft Suite ...

Can show certifications from a reputable lean leading company. * Has demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise without authority. * Proficiency in Microsoft Suite ...

Plant Lean Leader

Albany, MO ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Can show certifications from a reputable lean leading company. * Has demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise without authority. * Proficiency in Microsoft Suite ...

Plant Lean Leader

Albany, MO ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Can show certifications from a reputable lean leading company. * Has demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise without authority. * Proficiency in Microsoft Suite ...

Plant Lean Leader

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$100K - $134K/yr

Can show certifications from a reputable lean leading company. * Has demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise without authority. * Proficiency in Microsoft Suite ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lean Leader information

See salary details

$59K

$99.5K

$160.5K

How much do lean leader jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean leader in the United States is $99,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lean Leader, you need a strong background in process improvement, data analysis, and Lean methodologies, typically supported by a degree in engineering, business, or related fields and Lean Six Sigma certification. Familiarity with value stream mapping, root cause analysis tools, and continuous improvement software is essential. Excellent leadership, communication, and change management skills help drive team engagement and sustain improvement initiatives. These skills ensure effective implementation of Lean principles, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced waste, and lasting organizational impact.

What are Lean Leaders?

Lean Leaders are professionals who guide organizations in applying Lean principles to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize processes. They facilitate continuous improvement initiatives, train teams on Lean methodologies, and lead projects aimed at increasing value for customers. Lean Leaders work across departments to identify inefficiencies, implement best practices, and foster a culture of ongoing process improvement. Their role is crucial in driving operational excellence and sustaining long-term business growth.

How does a Lean Leader typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements?

Lean Leaders work closely with cross-functional teams by facilitating workshops, leading kaizen events, and encouraging open communication across departments. They help identify inefficiencies, gather input from team members at all levels, and guide teams through problem-solving methodologies such as root cause analysis or value stream mapping. This collaborative approach ensures that improvements are sustainable and embraced by those directly involved in the processes. Lean Leaders also mentor team members in Lean principles, fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

What is the difference between Lean Leader vs Continuous Improvement Coordinator?

AspectLean LeaderContinuous Improvement Coordinator
CertificationsLean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, Lean certificationsLean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, Continuous Improvement certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, production, or operational settingsOffice, manufacturing, or service environments
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and related industriesManufacturing, healthcare, and service sectors

The main difference is that a Lean Leader typically holds more strategic and leadership responsibilities in implementing lean methodologies, while a Continuous Improvement Coordinator focuses on supporting and executing improvement projects. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in similar environments, but the Lean Leader has a broader scope and leadership role in driving lean initiatives across departments.

More about Lean Leader jobs
What states have the most Lean Leader jobs? States with the most job openings for Lean Leader jobs include:
Lean Leader

Lean Leader

Wabtec

Duncan, SC โ€ข On-site

$104K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Lean Leader

Who will you be working with?

You will partner with cross-functional teams across manufacturing, quality, engineering, and operations to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role collaborates closely with plant leadership and frontline teams to ensure manufacturing processes meet customer and business requirements while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

How will you make a difference?

As a member of the Manufacturing/Operations team, you will lead efforts to establish, optimize, and sustain manufacturing processes across assembly and machining environments. You will play a critical leadership role in ensuring the safe delivery of quality products on time by driving lean transformation, improving equipment reliability, and implementing innovative technologies. This role supports site performance by advancing process capability, strengthening operational discipline, and ensuring compliance with manufacturing standards. You will regularly communicate performance metrics and improvement plans to leadership while developing strategies to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost outcomes.

What do we want to know about you?

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline
  • Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in mechanical assembly, machining, and welding environments
  • At least 5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing setting
  • Strong knowledge of ISO 9000 quality systems, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and QRQC methodologies
  • Demonstrated experience in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
  • Proven project management experience and financial acumen
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience driving process and quality improvements

Preferred Qualifications:

  • AWS D1.1 and/or IPC620 certification or experience
  • Six Sigma or Shainin certification
  • Demonstrated success leading lean transformation initiatives using industry-standard tools
  • Experience with product run-off, equipment validation, and Gage R&R studies
  • Electrical assembly experience
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic assembly experience

What will your typical day look like?

  • Lead lean transformation initiatives to improve manufacturing flow and operational efficiency
  • Champion a customer-focused culture across the manufacturing organization
  • Implement and monitor Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) programs to maximize equipment uptime
  • Develop and maintain processes that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance
  • Support specification development for equipment, products, and alternative materials
  • Facilitate cross-functional problem solving using structured methodologies (A3, 8D, DMAIC).
  • Ensure integration of Lean principles into new product introduction (NPI), engineering changes, and capital projects.
  • Manage and maintain the site capital expenditure process
  • Identify, evaluate, and implement new manufacturing technologies
  • Ensure compliance with special process standards including brazing, crimping, painting, torque, and welding
  • Develop, track, and present key performance indicators (KPIs) to leadership
  • Lead and develop team members to support operational goals
  • Perform other duties as assigned

What about the physical demands of the job?

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role, with reasonable accommodations available as needed.

  • Frequent standing and walking in a manufacturing environment
  • Occasional squatting and kneeling
  • Ability to lift between 10 and 50 pounds
  • Exposure to a production environment, including noise, equipment, and varying temperatures

You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.

Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.

Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $104800-149300. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it's not just about a job - it's about the impact you make. When our people come together, we're Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you're ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
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Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together - are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We're lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We're building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.


We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we've got you.