1

Lean Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Material Planning Manager participates in and promotes lean Stellantis Industrial systems activities. * Responsible for Manpower Management including Salary Employee Hiring, Training, Performance ...

Optimize processes and resources - Deploy and sustain a structured lean operating system, including ... Develop and manage budgets - Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports ...

Optimize processes and resources - Deploy and sustain a structured lean operating system, including ... Develop and manage budgets - Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lean Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$48.4K

$88.4K

$122.5K

How much do lean manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean manager in Michigan is $88,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $100,200.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lean jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Lean jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Lean Manager jobs in Michigan? For Lean Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Lean Manager jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Lean Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Lean Manager job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,397 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Lean Materials Manager-Holland,Michigan

Xylem

Beechwood, MI

$125K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Xylem rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Materials Strategy & Lean Operations Manager. Drive continuous improvement initiatives in inventory management, material handling, and space utilization using lean tools such as value stream mapping and 5S. This "People Leader" role is responsible for overseeing daily operations, supervising a team of approximately 40 employees, and ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of all inventory-related activities.
This position plays a critical role in developing and implementing inventory policies, mentoring team members, and driving continuous improvement in inventory processes. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a passion for operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and optimize end-to-end material flow across inbound, internal, and outbound processes to ensure seamless support of production schedules.
  • Implement and sustain lean material systems (e.g., pull systems, supermarket replenishment, Kanban) to eliminate waste and improve responsiveness.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives in inventory management, material handling, and space utilization using lean tools such as value stream mapping and 5S.
  • Collaborate with production, procurement, and logistics to align material availability with demand signals, minimizing stockouts and excess inventory.
  • Monitor and analyze key material KPIs (e.g., inventory turns, delivery performance, line-side availability) to identify trends and support decision-making.
  • Champion a culture of operational excellence through training, cross-functional problem-solving, and standardization of material control processes.
  • Adapt to changing priorities and make informed decisions aligned with organizational objectives.

Inventory Management
  • Maintain optimal inventory levels to support production and customer demand.
  • Conduct regular audits and reconcile discrepancies.
  • Monitor turnover rates and adjust strategies as needed.
  • Coordinate with purchasing to ensure timely replenishment.
  • Identify and resolve inventory issues proactively.

Reporting & Analysis
  • Generate and present inventory reports to senior leadership.
  • Analyze trends and provide strategic recommendations.
  • Leverage inventory management systems to track and optimize performance.
  • Drive process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with departments such as Purchasing, Sales, and Production to align inventory strategies.
  • Communicate with suppliers and vendors to maintain accurate stock levels.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings to support business goals.

Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure adherence to company policies and industry regulations.
  • Stay current with best practices in inventory control.
  • Implement and uphold safety protocols for inventory handling and storage.

High-Impact Leadership Behaviors
  • Lead by Example: Demonstrate integrity, a strong work ethic, and alignment with company values.
  • Team Engagement: Recognize strengths, provide feedback, and support professional development.
  • Operational Excellence: Set clear goals, monitor progress, and continuously improve processes.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
  • Continuous Improvement, Lean Six Sigma, 5S, Green/Black Belt
  • Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, including at least 1 year in a people management role.
  • Strong knowledge of inventory management principles and systems.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement effective inventory policies.
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Proficiency in inventory management software.

Note: Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
The estimated salary range for this position is $125,000 to $135,000 plus bonus. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.
#LI-TM1
Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.
At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.
Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation

What Xylem employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom