Lean Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Operations Improvement Manager is responsible for leading plant-wide operational performance by analyzing processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing initiatives that improve workflow, reduce costs, and elevate overall production effectiveness. This role oversees daily plant operationsincluding safety, quality, delivery, cost, and peoplewhile ensuring equipment readiness, maintaining production schedules, and supporting troubleshooting across departments. Operating at a plant manager level, the Operations Manager sets performance standards, coaches leaders, develops team members, and drives a rigorous continuous improvement agenda using Lean methodologies and KPI-based performance management. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with HR on staffing, fostering strong communication with leadership, upholding company policies and safety standards, and ensuring reliable, high-quality output through disciplined execution and cross-functional coordination.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities, ensuring schedules, quality standards, throughput goals, and inventory requirements are met.

• Analyze production schedules, allocate resources effectively, and adjust work assignments to meet operational targets.

• Ensure equipment readiness by partnering with Maintenance and assisting in troubleshooting machinery issues.

• Analyze operational processes to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements to methods, equipment performance, and product quality.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean tools (VSM, 5S, SMED, visual management, Kaizen, RCA) to reduce cost and increase productivity.

• Develop, implement, and maintain metrics and KPIs that improve performance, drive accountability, and support decision-making.

• Standardize, document, and ensure adherence to best practices and SOPs.

• Manage and monitor improvement projects, provide status updates to leadership, and make adjustments to maintain progress.

• Conduct project postmortems and produce recommendations to enhance future performance.

• Support cross-functional teams in resolving work requests, optimizing workflows, and enhancing customer service.

• Supervise, train, and develop team members; establish performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.

• Foster accountability, engagement, and a positive work environment across all levels of the plant.

• Manage staffing for direct reports, partnering with HR on interviewing, hiring, and performance management.

• Maintain strong quality control practices, monitor KPIs, and ensure rootcause corrective actions are implemented.

• Uphold all company policies, values, and safety standards; ensure team compliance with regulations and safe work practices.

• Address safety or policy violations promptly, applying corrective action or recognition as appropriate.

• Maintain open communication with supervisors, leadership, and crossfunctional partners to discuss priorities, progress, and issues.

• Collaborate across departments to coordinate activities, resolve problems, and support company objectives.

• Demonstrate consistent and reliable attendance.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support plant operations and business needs.

The individual may be asked to perform other duties as requested.

An individual qualified for this job must be able to:

• Lead and inspire team members; must be able to relate to and build team working relationships.

• Operate a computer and demonstrate PC proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Effectively and professionally communicate with co-workers, team members, and internal or external customers. Present information clearly and accurately.

• Pay attention to details and pursue quality in accomplishing work duties and tasks. Look for opportunities to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.

• Handle challenges skillfully, thoroughly, and effectively.

• Independently take advantage of opportunities to improve or increase skills, abilities. and job knowledge.

• Efficiently perform accurate mathematical calculations.

• Make sure that work is delivered on time and of high quality.

• Develop good work practices in order to get the job done.

• Use equipment, resources, and time in an efficient and effective manner.

• Use good judgment when making decisions.

• Perform work in a safe manner at all times.

• Be professional in all interactions and dealings with co-workers, internal/external customers, and vendors.

An individual qualified for this job must have and maintain the following qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in business, operations, engineering or related field and 5 years of experience in operations management or continuous improvement roles (such as a plant supervisor, department manager, or other management/supervisory position including manufacturing, continuous improvement, and quality responsibilities), or a satisfactory combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the above duties.

• Proven experience with process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and transform it into actionable initiatives

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Strong problem-solving skills with experience in conducting root cause analysis

• Valid drivers license.

• Significant combined experience in manufacturing, maintenance, and project management, preferred.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the Essential Functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This is a desk-based job and will require the individual to remain seated for long periods of time and have the manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, calculator, phone, copier/scanner, and similar machines.

The environmental conditions described here are representative of those the associate encounters while performing the Essential Functions of the job.

• The individual will work primarily in an office setting in the same room as other individuals. Noise levels are average for an office and include conversation and/or office equipment.

• While working with team members at manufacturing and distribution facilities, the individual may be exposed to moving machinery, work in high/precarious places, marked changes in temperature and humidity, and dust, odors and fumes. Typical noise level is loud.

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments.