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Lean Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lean Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$107.20K - $160.80K/yr

SUMMARY Mortenson is currently seeking a Lean Manager to partner with Project Leaders in developing plans, engaging team members in executing and sustaining the lean approach, and coaching field and ...

Lean Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$107.20K - $160.80K/yr

SUMMARY Mortenson is currently seeking a Lean Manager to partner with Project Leaders in developing plans, engaging team members in executing and sustaining the lean approach, and coaching field and ...

Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) highly desired. • Experience with plant start-ups and implementation of new product introductions. • Training in Six Sigma, Kaizen, Lean ...

Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) highly desired. Experience with plant start-ups and implementation of new product introductions. Training in Six Sigma, Kaizen, Lean manufacturing ...

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Lean Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$52.1K

$95.3K

$132K

How much do lean manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean manager in Iowa is $95,260.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Lean Manager?

Lean managers identify areas in a business that can be streamlined to make processes and production more efficient. These changes are often small and incremental, but lean managers find ways to reduce areas that waste time, effort, or money, and make the overall functions of the business run more smoothly. As a lean manager, you need to understand how your company runs, the goals of production, and be able to connect with employees so that they are inspired to move towards the same efficiency objectives. You must know how to analyze data, dissect small and large processes of your business, and provide practical ways to cut unnecessary waste.

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

To thrive as a Lean Manager, you need expertise in process improvement methodologies, strong analytical skills, and typically a background in engineering, operations, or business management. Familiarity with Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Six Sigma, and experience with ERP systems or continuous improvement certifications (like Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt) are highly valued. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for driving change and engaging teams. These skills and qualifications enable Lean Managers to effectively streamline processes, reduce waste, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within organizations.

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

A Lean Manager regularly works with cross-functional teams—such as operations, quality, engineering, and supply chain—to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements. This involves facilitating workshops, guiding value stream mapping sessions, and coaching team members on Lean principles. Effective collaboration requires strong communication skills to align different departments toward common goals and ensure that changes are sustained over time. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Lean Managers help teams break down silos and achieve greater efficiency together.

What are Lean Managers?

Lean Managers are professionals responsible for implementing and overseeing Lean methodologies within an organization to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. They work closely with teams to identify areas for improvement, facilitate continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure that Lean principles are integrated into the company culture. Lean Managers also provide training, support, and leadership to ensure sustainable changes and drive operational excellence.

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

AspectLean ManagerContinuous Improvement Coordinator
CredentialsLean certifications, Six Sigma Green/Black BeltLean or Six Sigma training, certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, production, or service industriesManufacturing, healthcare, or corporate settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in industries focusing on process efficiencyUsed across various industries aiming for process improvements
Primary FocusImplementing lean principles to eliminate wasteSupporting continuous improvement initiatives and projects

While both roles focus on process enhancement, a Lean Manager leads lean implementation and strategy, whereas a Continuous Improvement Coordinator supports ongoing improvement projects. The Lean Manager typically has more strategic responsibilities, while the Coordinator focuses on executing specific initiatives.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lean jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Lean jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Lean Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Lean Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Lean Manager job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 19% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,260 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Lean Manager

$107.20K - $160.80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Description
SUMMARY
Mortenson is currently seeking a Lean Manager to partner with Project Leaders in developing plans, engaging team members in executing and sustaining the lean approach, and coaching field and project leaders to confidently apply 5S, Flow Construction, and kaizen-based continuous improvement methods to enhance safety, ease work, and improve project outcomes.
Accepted Locations: Cedar Rapids, IA; Omaha, NE/Lincoln, NE; Pampa, TX
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Create strong partnerships with project leadership and craft workforce for lean approaches

  • Build relationships with diverse backgrounds and organizational levels

  • Lead by example, coaching team members in continuous improvement

  • Promote continuous improvement principles onsite

  • Identify opportunities, plan, and execute continuous improvement for projects

  • Support leaders in preparing, conducting, and following up on improvement events

  • Measure performance and ensure visibility into improvements

  • Champion 5S practices with project team, field leaders, and trade partners

  • Advocate for Flow Construction and support project teams in developing flow schedules

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

OR
  • Equivalent combination of education and technical/field experience demonstrated over multiple years of related work experience

  • Minimum of six years' construction or manufacturing experience

  • Minimum of four years' experience in continuous improvement in manufacturing or construction

  • Current driver's license

  • Expert understanding of continuous improvement principles

  • Excellent reliability and follow-through

  • Effective trainer and facilitator

  • Strong ability to coach and mentor lean professionals

  • Ability to influence through relationship building

  • Proactive self-starter with a growth mindset

  • Strong sense of curiosity and optimism

  • Effective communication and active listening skills

  • Knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action plans

  • Ability to travel up to 75%

A few benefits offered include:
(for Non-Craft & Non-Union Craft working 25+ hours / week)
  • Medical and prescription drug plans that includes no additional cost vision coverage

  • Dental plan

  • 401k retirement plan with a generous Mortenson match

  • Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves

  • Employer paid Life, AD&D, and disability insurance

  • No-Cost mental health tool and concierge with extensive work-life resources

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Adoption Assistance

  • Gym Membership Discount Program

Multi-Level:
Lean Manager I
The base pay range for this role is $100,100 MIN - $150,200 MAX. (Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL - 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR - 10%, Washington, D.C. - 12.5%).
Lean Manager II
The base pay range for this role is $107,200 MIN - $160,800 MAX. (Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL - 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR - 10%, Washington, D.C. - 12.5%).
Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity. This position is eligible for Mortenson's incentive plan.
#LI-HC1 #LI-EA1 #IND-FYR
  • Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.

  • Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days.

ABOUT MORTENSON
As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact.
Let's Redefine Possible®
Equal Employment Opportunity
Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.
  • Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.

  • Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

M. A. Mortenson logo

About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1954

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