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Lean Leader Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Ford Motor Company

FPS and Launch Specialist

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$96K - $162K/yr

Work closely with plant leadership, engineers, team leaders, and other stakeholders * Communicate findings clearly through presentations, reports, and visual tools. Uphold Lean principles and assist ...

New

Detroit Chassis LLC

Be Seen First

Production Leader

Detroit, MI · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Manage the teaching and implementation of enterprise wide Lean principles to assist DCP associates ... Stream Leader in forecasting and controlling budget expenditures Administration * Ensure that ...

Huhtamäki

WCO Manager

Coleman, MI · On-site

Job Summary Provide change management leadership and Lean Six Sigma expertise needed in the Huhtamaki Continuous Improvement Process. Working with all levels of management, the WCO Manager ...

Huhtamaki

WCO Manager

Coleman, MI · On-site

Job Summary Provide change management leadership and Lean Six Sigma expertise needed in the Huhtamaki Continuous Improvement Process. Working with all levels of management, the WCO Manager ...

Wayne Wire Cloth

Manufacturing Site Leader

Kalkaska, MI · On-site

High-visibility leadership role reporting directly to corporate executive management. * Growth ... Implement Lean Manufacturing and cost-reduction initiatives across metal forming, pressing, welding ...

GE Aerospace

FLIGHT DECK Leader

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

Utilize lean tools such as 5S, Kanban, and root cause analysis to drive problem-solving and process optimization. * Collaborate with leadership to align lean initiatives with business goals and ...

Dupont

Manufacturing Domain Leader

Midland, MI · On-site

If you are passionate about operational transformation, business systems, Lean manufacturing, and ... What You'll Do As the Manufacturing Domain Leader, you will lead a global team of manufacturing ...

spidf

$68K - $88K/yr

General Manager SUMMARY The SLMS Engineer is a technical and plant floor focused leadership position with an emphasis on improving manufacturing operations across the plant using SLMS (Summit Lean ...

Kop-Coat, Inc.

Business Leader PreBuck

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$82K/yr

Implements LEAN practices. * Oversee all quality related functions in the plant. * Participate in ... modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLean Leader JobsLean Leader Jobs in Michigan

Lean Leader information

See Michigan salary details

$51.4K

$86.7K

$139.9K

How much do lean leader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean leader in Michigan is $86,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,200.00 and $110,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 is a lean leader?

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 to become a Lean Leader?

To become a Lean Leader, individuals typically gain experience in process improvement and operational management, often through roles in manufacturing or service industries. Earning certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt can enhance credibility, and strong skills in problem-solving, team leadership, and data analysis are essential for success in this role.

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.

Lean Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lean Leader job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,723 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

FPS and Launch Specialist

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$96K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description


We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we're all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?
As part of our Manufacturing team, you'll help build the world-class, state-of-the-art smart vehicles we're known for. In our plants around the world, we're constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. You'll get the satisfaction of making great products people use and love.
We are seeking a highly motivated Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Specialist to support manufacturing teams in identifying waste, improving process flow, and enabling continuous improvement. The VSM Specialist will work directly with plant operations, engineering, quality, and cross-functional teams to map current-state processes, design future-state value streams, and drive implementation of improvement actions.
This role is ideal for an early-career Lean practitioner looking to deepen their expertise and contribute to high-impact operational improvement initiatives across Ford manufacturing sites.
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
Value Stream Mapping
  • Conduct current-state and future-state Value Stream Mapping events at the process, department, and system levels within Ford manufacturing plants.
  • Document material and information flow, identify bottlenecks, and highlight improvement opportunities.
  • Support teams in developing actionable implementation plans based on VSM outcomes.

Continuous Improvement & Kaizen Support
  • Assist in planning and facilitating kaizen workshops at manufacturing plants with a focus on quality, productivity, flow, safety, and standardization.
  • Partner with operations teams to execute improvement actions identified through VSM and kaizen events.
  • Track progress, remove roadblocks, and report results to leadership.

Data Analysis & Process Support
  • Collect and analyze process data to validate improvement needs and measure impact.
  • Support manufacturing teams with Lean tools such as 5S, standard work, problem-solving, and visual management.
  • Maintain documentation and sustainment plans for continuous improvement activities.

Collaboration & Communication
  • Work closely with plant leadership, engineers, team leaders, and other stakeholders
  • Communicate findings clearly through presentations, reports, and visual tools.
    Uphold Lean principles and assist in strengthening the continuous improvement culture across sites.

Qualifications
You'll have...
  • Bachelor's degree in Applied Science, Engineering, Industrial Technology, Math, Physics, Chemistry, or Biochemistry.
  • Strong knowledge of Lean principles with foundational experience in Value Stream Mapping.
  • 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment (automotive experience preferred).
  • Ability to analyze processes, interpret data, and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness to travel up to 50-65% to support multiple Ford manufacturing sites.

Even better, you may have...
  • Exposure to Lean tools such as 5S, kaizen, standard work, and root cause analysis.
    Experience participating in or co-facilitating VSM or kaizen events.
    Lean certification (Yellow Belt or Green Belt) is a plus.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio (or similar mapping tools).
  • You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $72,480-121,440., This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $84,480-141,360., This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $96,720-162,120.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
Visa sponsorship may be available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.
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About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982

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