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Lean Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Lean Continuous Improvement Manager leads the deployment of Lean manufacturing principles to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity across manufacturing ...

Position Summary The Lean Continuous Improvement Manager leads the deployment of Lean manufacturing principles to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity across manufacturing ...

Work closely with the Regional Lean Manager to introduce and sustain a Lean Six Sigma culture into the site * Work with Operations Manager, Business Unit Managers and the Regional Lean Six Sigma ...

... lean operating practices. * Work together with the Director of Operations-North American, Plant Management and the corporate DOS group to achieve optimum results and consistency in each plant.

Minimum five (5) years leading Lean, Six Sigma, or similar change initiatives in a manufacturing or technical environment. * Demonstrated strong leadership ability to lead teams, manage multiple ...

Minimum five (5) years leading Lean, Six Sigma, or similar change initiatives in a manufacturing or technical environment. * Demonstrated strong leadership ability to lead teams, manage multiple ...

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Lean Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$50.4K

$92K

$127.5K

How much do lean manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean manager in Tennessee is $92,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,700.00 and $104,400.00 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Lean jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Lean Manager jobs in Tennessee? For Lean Manager jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Lean Manager jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Lean Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Lean Manager job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Full Time, and 82% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,050 per year, or $44.3 per hour.
Lean CI Manager

Lean CI Manager

Teknor Apex Company

Brownsville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Teknor Apex rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 79 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

Position Summary
The Lean Continuous Improvement Manager leads the deployment of Lean manufacturing principles to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity across manufacturing operations. This role partners closely Operations Excellence team and plant leadership to implement lean basics as a foundation, improve process stability, and build a sustainable culture of continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead North American Lean Steering Council
  • Leading process improvement initiatives
  • Own & report KPI related to the maturity of the Lean program (Lean KPIs, Productivity improvements, Cost reduction, etc) - including lean assessment by plant
  • Process Optimization: Analyze operational conditions to identify waste and implement Lean Manufacturing projects that optimize manufacturing processes
  • Drive implementation of best practices across multiple facilities
  • Promote and lead implementation of standard processes across operations group
  • Develop and build systematic approach to a lean culture with training and mentoring workforce members in Lean tools and CI techniques.
  • Develop Operations leadership as Coaches, to support and maintain the CI culture
  • Change Management, act as a hands-on change agent, challenging the status quo and fostering a culture of ownership and results across functional boundaries.
  • Visual Management: Maintain visual controls to communicate, track, and sustain performance results.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, electrical, Industrial)- preferred- will consider other backgrounds
  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing- Lean or Continuous Improvement roles.
  • Proven ability to lead shop-floor improvement initiatives.
  • Excellent facilitation, communication, and coaching skills
  • Six Sigma Green Belt minimum

Preferred Skills:
  • Lean Certification Silver or Bronze
  • Leading Programs for Mutli- Site Structure
  • Manufacturing Leadership Experience- Supervisor, Production/ Plant Management
  • Strong Influencing Skills
  • Self Motivated

Physical and Work Environment Requirements
  • Frequent hands-on work around production machinery
  • Must be comfortable with shop floor conditions
  • Ability to climb stairs
  • Travel up to 40%
  • On site daily

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.