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Lean Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plant Lean Leader

Phoenix, AZ · 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 ...

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 ...

Plant Lean Leader

York, PA · 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 ...

Provides leadership and direction to the Manufacturing Engineers and partners with, develops, and manages the lean team, where appropriate. Essential Functions: * Works with division staff and plant ...

In multi-site divisions, supports plant lean leaders through required and special team meetings. Provides high level of technical and operational recommendations in meeting productivity, material ...

Provides leadership and direction to the Division Staff. Develops and manages the Lean team, where appropriate. Responsibilities Essential Functions Guides all PLS initiatives within the division.

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio ... Lean Strategy & Deployment * Partner with plant and functional leaders to translate business ...

Prysmian is the world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. Each year Prysmian ... Lead Transformation, Not Events If you're a true Lean leader , you already know the difference ...

Lean Transformation Manager

Taunton, MA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Prysmian is the world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. Each year Prysmian ... The Lean Transformation Manager will drive continuous improvement initiatives by developing and ...

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Lean Leader information

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$59K

$99.5K

$160.5K

How much do lean leader jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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 5 careers that require leadership skills?

A Lean Leader role involves strong leadership skills to drive process improvements and team collaboration. Careers that require leadership skills include management positions such as project manager, operations manager, team leader, business analyst, and quality manager. These roles often involve decision-making, strategic planning, and motivating teams to achieve organizational goals.

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 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 production environments. Earning certifications such as Lean Six Sigma and developing skills in problem-solving, team leadership, and data analysis are also important steps in the process.

What does a lean leader do?

A lean leader is responsible for implementing and maintaining lean principles to improve efficiency and reduce waste within an organization. They analyze processes, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and foster a culture of operational excellence, often using tools like value stream mapping and Kaizen. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of lean methodologies are essential for this role.

What are the 4 P's of lean?

The 4 P's of lean are Purpose, Process, People, and Problem-solving. They serve as foundational elements in lean management to improve efficiency, eliminate waste, and foster continuous improvement within organizations. Lean leaders often focus on these areas to drive operational excellence and team engagement.

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:
Infographic showing various Lean Leader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,499 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Plant Lean Leader

Plant Lean Leader

Johnson Controls

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$100K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Johnson Controls rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 401 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

What you will do:
Working under the framework of Johnson Controls Continuous Improvement & Production system, will assess current state performance, identify gaps, visualize and establish a plan to get to the future state, monitor progress and share/acquire best-in-class ideas and systems. Defines, designs and implements process improvement as part of the Johnson Controls Business System (JCBS); ensures integration and alignment vertically and horizontally across organization. Defines improvement projects aligned with business strategies and priorities. Facilitates and coaches improvement teams.
How you will do it:
  • Identify gaps in business metrics and then works with all levels of the plant in establishing and executing a strategy for improving them
  • Assess the current state of the plant's Operations; Develop Future State vision and drive and monitor the implementation plan
  • Coaches plant staff, front line leaders and associates in JCBS.
  • Ensure process owner involvement in SW development and team leadership
  • Using kaizen funnel tracking and reporting systems, will prepare detailed plans, drive project performance, and assure timely completion and achievement of transformational and continuous improvement projects.
  • Collaborate with leadership to develop a plant CI Roadmap, driving breakthrough or Best-in-class performance that balances resources between internal plant efficiency and external customer-focused effectiveness projects through 1. Just Do It improvements, 2. Kaizens, 3. Workshops.
  • Assists Process Owners in identifying barriers to project success and helps to drive changes when needed
  • Document improvement process learning and shares best practices throughout AHU plants.
  • Identifies and brings forward to Champion new project opportunities
  • Assist Plant Manager in any strategic initiative that will help in compliance to standards, implementing new systems, and designing creative solutions that will continuously improve the plant.
  • Is accountable to deliver the plant annual goals.
  • All other tasks as assigned.
  • Adheres to the Company's Code of Conduct and Business Ethics standards.
  • Responsible for driving Safety Performance in the Plant.
  • Assesses current state performance, identifies gaps, visualizes and establishes a plan to get to the future state, monitors progress and shares/acquires best-in-class ideas and systems.

What we look for
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree required. 5 Years suggested minimum experience in Continuous Improvement and 5 years experience as a operational frontline leader. Has demonstrated high-level performance in current and previous positions.
  • Has shown initiative, the desire to drive change and is motivated to exceed expectations
  • Has solid leadership skills and able to manage both vertically and horizontally
  • Possesses basic statistical knowledge and the ability to apply statistics to product and process improvement projects
  • 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 Applications (Word, Excel, Access, & PowerPoint) as well as Internet software and E-mail is required.

HIRING SALARY RANGE:
Additional Job Description $100,000- $134,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us
Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.

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About Johnson Controls

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Johnson Controls is a world leader in smart buildings, creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces. For nearly 140 years, we’ve made buildings better and now we’re transforming them again with our award-winning digital technologies and services. We’re using artificial intelligence and data driven solutions to give you deeper insight into your building’s health, sustainability and performance. It’s changing the way we design, operate and maintain indoor environments and driving to a new era of autonomous buildings. We deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, hotels, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive suite of connected solutions. Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software and services. Supported by a team of more than 100,000 dedicated employees working across 150 countries, we’re helping customers achieve their sustainability goals and power their mission.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing, water transportation, public safety statistics centers and offices and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US