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Lean Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Mortenson

Lean Manager I

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Lean Manager I SUMMARY Mortenson is currently seeking an experienced Lean Manager I to support the Operating Group and Project Teams in defining and executing Lean Innovation agendas and Project ...

Roquette

Plant Manager

Keokuk, IA · On-site

$185K - $280K/yr

Apply strong technical expertise - including Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem solving to improve throughput, asset reliability, yield, and cost performance. * Lead major change management ...

Roquette Frères

Plant Manager

Keokuk, IA · On-site

$185K - $280K/yr

Apply strong technical expertise - including Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem solving to improve throughput, asset reliability, yield, and cost performance. * Lead major change management ...

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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 Jul 17, 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 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 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 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.

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 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.
More about Lean Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lean jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Lean jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Lean Manager jobs in Iowa? For Lean Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lean Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Lean Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Lean Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Lean Manager job openings:
Lean Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lean Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,260 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Lean Manager I

Lean Manager I

Mortenson

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Mortenson rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Lean Manager I 

SUMMARY  

Mortenson is currently seeking an experienced Lean Manager I to support the Operating Group and Project Teams in defining and executing Lean Innovation agendas and Project Standard Work, while interacting with staff at all levels in a dynamic environment with professionalism and confidentiality. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Create strong partnerships with project leadership and craft workforce to establish trust and gain buy-in for lean approaches 

  • Build relationships with those of diverse backgrounds and organizational levels 

  • Lead by example, coaching team members in applying continuous improvement approaches 

  • Promote continuous improvement principles onsite, acting as a key resource for identifying opportunities and executing improvements 

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

  • Engage with field leaders to build their capability in utilizing the Kaizen approach after improvement events 

  • Measure baseline performance and improvements, ensuring visibility into improvements across projects 

  • Collaborate with group leaders to recognize crews and teams for their contributions to improvements 

  • Develop and implement 'Production Preparation Process' for new scopes of work 

  • Support the lead project Superintendent to champion 5S practices with the project team, field leaders, and trade partners 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Engineering, or related degree 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 three years' experience applying continuous improvement in manufacturing or construction environments or related fields 

  • Current driver's license 

  • Expert understanding of continuous improvement principles and their application to various work processes and environments 

  • Excellent reliability and follow-through on commitments 

  • 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 

  • Ability to work effectively with diverse backgrounds and organizational levels 

  • Active listening skills and effective communication, openness to diverse input and feedback 

  • Knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity, inclusive behaviors, 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   

  

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%). 

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-EA1 #LI-HC1 #IND-FYR

Please make note:  

  • 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. 

  

Other Items to Note 

  • 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. 

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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 and construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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