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Lean Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

The Lean Manufacturing Manager owns the lean deployment roadmap for the assigned RTCA site. This role builds lean capability across the organization by coaching site leaders, supervisors, engineers ...

New

Visual Management * Standard Work * Kanban Systems * Pull Production * Continuous Flow * Root Cause ... Ensure Lean activities support AS9100 quality requirements. * Promote safe work practices in ...

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$103K - $115K/yr

Lead and manage assigned Lean Six Sigma/CPI projects from defining through control phases (DMAIC), ensuring successful delivery of measurable improvements. * Apply all elements of the ASQ Black Belt ...

Lead and manage assigned Lean Six Sigma/CPI projects from defining through control phases (DMAIC), ensuring successful delivery of measurable improvements. * Apply all elements of the ASQ Black Belt ...

Lead and manage assigned Lean Six Sigma/CPI projects from defining through control phases (DMAIC), ensuring successful delivery of measurable improvements. * Apply all elements of the ASQ Black Belt ...

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Lean Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$63.2K

$115.4K

$159.9K

How much do lean manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean manager in Seattle, WA is $115,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,400.00 and $130,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Lean jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Lean jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Lean Manager jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Lean Manager jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Lean Manager jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Lean Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Lean Manager job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,418 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Lean Manufacturing Manager

RTCA

Sumner, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

 

About RTCA:

RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals.

Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility – you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer.

At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission!

How You’ll Make an Impact: 

The Lean Manufacturing Manager owns the lean deployment roadmap for the assigned RTCA site. This role builds lean capability across the organization by coaching site leaders, supervisors, engineers, and value-stream teams; leading value-stream mapping and Kaizen events; and developing standard work, visual management, and daily accountability systems that improve flow, productivity, and quality-at-the-source. The Lean Manufacturing Manager works through Operations rather than around it, partnering closely with Site Leadership, Operations, Quality, Business Systems, Engineering, and HR to translate lean methods into measurable, sustained business results and to build a pipeline of internal lean talent.


What you’ll be doing as a Lean Manufacturing Manager:

  • Working a full-time, onsite position at our Sumner, WA location.
  • Create and maintain the site lean deployment roadmap tied to business priorities and measurable operating results.
  • Coach site leaders, supervisors, engineers, and value-stream teams in lean thinking and practical application.
  • Lead value-stream mapping and convert future-state designs into prioritized implementation plans.
  • Establish a disciplined Kaizen system, including event selection, preparation, facilitation, follow-through, and benefit validation.
  • Develop and sustain 5S, visual management, standard work, leader standard work, daily accountability, and structured problem-solving systems.
  • Partner with Operations on flow, pull, layout, line balance, takt, capacity, constraints, setup reduction, and productivity improvement.
  • Build internal lean capability through training, coaching, certification/qualification standards, and practitioner development.
  • Maintain an improvement funnel and transparent reporting of actions, savings, productivity, lead-time, and quality/sustainment results.
  • Ensure improvements transition into normal operational ownership and, where appropriate, controlled business processes.
  • Advise the Site Leader and Operations leadership on where lean resources will create the greatest business impact.
  • Develop the lean team, assign resources, set standards, and build a healthy pipeline of internal lean talent.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Typically 7-10+ years of manufacturing/operations experience, including significant leadership of lean transformations.
  • Demonstrated, site-level lean/continuous improvement transformation results (VSM, Kaizen, standard work, flow/pull, daily management).
  • Strong leadership coaching skills and executive-level communication, with the ability to advise and influence site leadership.
  • Deep, practical lean knowledge that goes beyond classroom certification, gained through hands-on application.
  • Ability to prioritize a portfolio of improvement work and balance near-term operating needs with longer-term system development.
  • Financial fluency and the ability to validate and communicate the business impact of operational improvements.
  • Experience developing and mentoring other lean practitioners (coordinators, engineers, senior engineers).
  • Must meet Export Control compliance requirements as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15.


Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent advanced lean/CI certification.
  • Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated precision manufacturing environments.
  • Experience with AS9100 or similar quality management systems.
  • Multi-site or enterprise-level exposure to operational excellence deployment.
  • Experience building or scaling a lean function from an early or developing stage.


Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage plan
  • HSA-eligible health plan with employer contributions 
  • Basic and supplemental life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • 401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company match
  • Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidays
  • Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts
  • Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance

The Lean Manufacturing Manager compensation range for onsite Sumner, WA applicants is $120,000 - 135,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Other site ranges may differ.

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. 

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. 

 

RTCA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

 

Applicants wishing to receive information on RTCA’s Affirmative Action Plans, or those requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, should contact the RTCA Human Resources Department. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to access or use our career center due to a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources.

 

Candidates will receive consideration without discrimination in accordance with Article 9, Chapter XVIII of the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code and applicable federal, state, and local laws.