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Lean Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Lean process, Kaizen, and/or Six Sigma. *Demonstrated problem solving skills and analytical skills ... Experience managing a team of 2+ salaried employees and 70+ indirect employees * Experience scoping ...

This role involves managing and leading a team of Operations and Area Managers, coaching and ... initiatives, including Lean methodologies, to enhance operational efficiency within their ...

Continuous Improvement Manager 2

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

Utilizes Lean, Six Sigma techniques and CI tools to lead the organization in data-based decision ... Manage Site Improvement Projects through project plan development, results tracking and leading and ...

Continuous Improvement Manager 2

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

Utilizes Lean, Six Sigma techniques and CI tools to lead the organization in data-based decision ... Manage Site Improvement Projects through project plan development, results tracking and leading and ...

Continuous Improvement Manager 2

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

Utilizes Lean, Six Sigma techniques and CI tools to lead the organization in data-based decision ... Manage Site Improvement Projects through project plan development, results tracking and leading and ...

Continuous Improvement Manager 2

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

Utilizes Lean, Six Sigma techniques and CI tools to lead the organization in data-based decision ... Manage Site Improvement Projects through project plan development, results tracking and leading and ...

... lean techniques experience - Experience managing a team of 20+ employees - Experience with process improvements (Lean process, Kaizen, and/or Six Sigma) - Excellent customer service, communication ...

... lean techniques experience - Experience managing a team of 20+ employees - Experience with process improvements (Lean process, Kaizen, and/or Six Sigma) - Excellent customer service, communication ...

Manage subcontractor and vendor relationships; streamline project activities for efficiencies ... Drive continuous improvement activities and support Lean initiatives across the site to align with ...

Manage subcontractor and vendor relationships; streamline project activities for efficiencies ... Drive continuous improvement activities and support Lean initiatives across the site to align with ...

Showing results 21-40

Lean Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$52.1K

$95.3K

$132K

How much do lean manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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.

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.
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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,260 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

$185K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Roquette is a family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical excipients.
Want to help us make a difference?
Using plant-based resources, we collaborate with our customers and partners to imagine and offer ingredients to better feed people and treat patients.
Each of our ingredients responds to unique and essential needs, and they enable healthier lifestyles.
We are looking for our next Plant Manager to lead our Keokuk, IA Manufacturing Plant. The Plant Manager is responsible for full-site leadership and oversight of all operational activities, safety, production, maintenance, asset performance, and organizational capability development. This leader drives a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, ensuring the Keokuk facility delivers on safety, quality, service, cost, and sustainability objectives. A strong change agent, the Plant Manager leads the transformation of work processes, organization maturity, and performance standards to meet future business needs.
This position is located in Keokuk, Iowa.
Compensation:
The current salary range for this role is estimated to be $185,000 - $280,000. In addition, this position will also be eligible to earn short-term and long-term performance-based incentive compensation. The specific compensation offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
What You'll Do:
  • Operational Leadership & Strategy
    • Lead and manage all manufacturing, production, maintenance, utilities, and EHS functions for the Keokuk facility with a strong focus on accountability and measurable performance.
    • Champion a culture of operational discipline, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision making.
    • 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 initiatives, ensuring teams understand the "why," adopt new ways of working, and sustain improvements.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership
    • Partner closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, R&D, and business teams to enable reliable end-to-end product flow.
    • Drive customer-back thinking and anticipate customer needs through proactive planning, scenario analysis, and risk management ensuring a strong partnership with the Commercial Team.
    • Collaborate with global and regional operations leaders to share best practices, replicate standards, and contribute to Roquette's broader manufacturing excellence agenda.
  • Continuous Improvement & Technical Rigor
    • Sponsors Lean Six Sigma projects and actively participate in frequent project reviews.
    • Engages and focuses the organization on cycle time improvement through the application of Lean and Kaizen events.
    • Be a change agent for developing key organizational capabilities to continue to improve performance, using such methodologies as Lean Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, as well as other key process and leadership changes / improvements.
    • Implement and sustain operational excellence systems, metrics, and visual performance management.
  • People Leadership & Culture
    • Build a strong leadership bench by recruiting, developing, coaching, and retaining high-performing talent.
    • Drive a culture of accountability, empowerment, and open communication.
    • Lead the organization through change effectively, demonstrating authenticity, clarity, and consistency.
  • EHS & Compliance
    • Maintain and continuously improve the site's safety culture, ensuring compliance with Roquette's expectations and regulatory requirements.
    • Model and reinforce strong personal commitment to EHS and environmental sustainability.

What You'll Need:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering (or relevant engineering field), or operations management required. An advanced degree (MBA or Engineering) preferred.

Experience:
  • 15+ years of operational leadership in manufacturing; experience in corn wet milling or complex continuous chemical/food process manufacturing strongly preferred.
  • Experience leading in a manufacturing environment including managing a large asset of size a scope compatible with Roquette's platform.
  • Minimum 5 years as a senior production leader/site manager in a relevant manufacturing environment.
  • Expertise in strategy development, cost management, and continuous improvement.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage capital expenditures, budgeting and expense control, forecasting plant performance metrics.
  • Demonstrated success in leading major change initiatives, improving production performance and cost structure
  • Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization
  • Demonstrated understanding and commitment to EHS development and compliance.
  • Experience working in an environment where there is clear collaboration with other functions including commercial, R&D, finance, etc.
  • If from a large company, the executive must demonstrate the ability to work in a lean, fast-paced environment, have a bias for action and focus on results.
  • Key competencies of business acumen, intellectual horsepower, process management, managing diverse and challenging relationships

AAP/EEO Statement
Roquette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. "AAP, EEO, Drug-Free Workplace"
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
If you identify yourself in this position, please apply by uploading your resume and let's start the journey together!
Roquette is proud to be a global company where you can find personal and professional growth through multiple diverse experiences.
Roquette strives to create a dynamic workforce while remaining firmly committed to equal opportunity by complying with EEO laws.
As we continue to grow, Roquette understands that to be successful we must always be inclusive in our approach.
To find out more about our products, values and sustainable development ambitions visit us at www.roquette.com and at www.sustainability.roquette.com