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Lean Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Central Lean Manager serves as a coach, change leader, and strategic business partner who helps sites embed the Hardie Manufacturing Operating System (HMOS) into daily work. This position may be ...

Position reports to the Division Lean Manager and ensures full Parker Lean System and EH&S education and implementation in all functional areas at the division, plant, and facility level to ensure ...

Facilitate, train and lead Lean Strategy Deployment Activity * Lead change management activities (create transition plans from current to future state and execute) * Lead / develop Lean ...

About the role Job Summary The Lean Manager is responsible for supporting the development and optimization of manufacturing processes. This role applies practical engineering knowledge to improve ...

Lean Manager

White Plains, NY · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Job Title: Lean Manager Employment Type: Full-Time FSLA: Salary/Exempt Division: Project Services Group Department: Project Services Group Reports to: Director of Scheduling & Lean Services ...

Facilitate, train and lead Lean Strategy Deployment Activity * Lead change management activities (create transition plans from current to future state and execute) * Lead / develop Lean ...

Lean Manager

Pampa, TX · On-site

$107K - $160K/yr

SUMMARY Mortenson is currently seeking a Lean Manager to partner with Project Leaders in developing plans, engaging team members in executing and sustaining the lean approach, and coaching field and ...

Lean Manager

Pampa, TX · On-site

$107K - $160K/yr

SUMMARY Mortenson is currently seeking a Lean Manager to partner with Project Leaders in developing plans, engaging team members in executing and sustaining the lean approach, and coaching field and ...

Division Lean Manager

Kent, WA · On-site

$156K - $274K/yr

Division Lean Manager Primary resource for supporting the division in its lean transformation through the implementation of the Parker Lean System (PLS). Delivers practical, hands-on training to ...

About the role Job Summary The Lean Manager is responsible for supporting the development and optimization of manufacturing processes. This role applies practical engineering knowledge to improve ...

General Manager, Operations Manager, or Regional Lean Manager. If assigned to a specific project, reports to the Project Executive or Project Manager. Has a dotted line reporting relationship to ...

Showing results 21-40

Lean Manager information

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$55.5K

$101.4K

$140.5K

How much do lean manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean manager in the United States is $101,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $115,000.00 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.

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 cities are hiring for Lean Manager jobs? Cities with the most Lean Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lean jobs? The most popular types of Lean jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Lean Manager jobs? The top employers for Lean Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Lean Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Lean Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lean Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,419 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
Lean Manager

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


James Hardie rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie, TimberTech, AZEK Exteriors, Versatex, fermacell, and StruXure.
With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we're united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.

Summary
 

Reporting to the North American Lean Leader, the Central Lean Manager is responsible for leading and supporting Lean transformation across multiple North American manufacturing sites. This role partners directly with plant leadership teams to build Lean capability, strengthen daily management practices, improve operational performance, and create sustainable systems that enable safe, predictable, and profitable growth. The Central Lean Manager serves as a coach, change leader, and strategic business partner who helps sites embed the Hardie Manufacturing Operating System (HMOS) into daily work. This position may be based at a plant location or at the corporate office in Chicago. Travel is expected to range from 25% to 75%, depending on location and business needs. 

What You'll Do:

The Central Lean Manager leads through influence across a matrixed manufacturing environment, focusing on:

Lean Strategy & Deployment

  • Partner with plant and functional leaders to translate business priorities into targeted Lean roadmaps.
  • Deploy HMOS standards, routines, and systems across sites.
  • Align Lean initiatives to measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and engagement.
  • Use data and observation to prioritize high-impact improvement opportunities.

Daily Management & Standard Work

  • Coach sites on Daily Management Systems, including tiered meetings, visual management, and escalation routines.
  • Strengthen operator and leader standard work to improve consistency and sustain results.
  • Reinforce use of gemba walks, layered verification, and coaching routines.
  • Ensure Lean systems are practical, visible, and owned by site leadership.

Kaizen & Problem Solving

  • Lead and coach Kaizen (VOO) events that address critical business challenges.
  • Manage the improvement funnel from opportunity identification through sustainment.
  • Build capability in structured problem solving (PDCA, root cause analysis, A3, 5 Whys).
  • Deliver measurable results with clear ownership and follow-up actions.

Coaching & Capability Building

  • Teach and mentor leaders and teams in Lean principles and HMOS standards.
  • Develop leader capability in proactive process management and coaching.
  • Build self-sufficiency at sites to sustain improvements independently.
  • Facilitate learning through hands-on coaching, training, and workshops.

Change Management & Sustainment

  • Lead change through stakeholder alignment, engagement, and clear communication.
  • Remove barriers and address systemic issues to drive adoption.
  • Establish sustainment mechanisms to maintain standards and performance.
  • Share and adapt best practices across sites.

Business Results & Performance Management

  • Measure and report Lean impact using operational and financial metrics.
  • Link improvement activity to key outcomes (safety, quality, cost, productivity, etc.).
  • Support planning processes by identifying Lean-driven opportunities.
  • Track leading and lagging indicators to assess adoption and effectiveness.
What You'll Bring:
  • 7+ years of progressive experience in Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, operational excellence, or manufacturing leadership, including at least 5 years leading cross-functional improvement initiatives or transformation efforts in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong practical application of Lean principles, including daily management, standard work, visual management, 5S, Kaizen, structured problem solving, and strategy deployment.
  • Demonstrated ability to coach, influence, and build capability across all levels of the organization, from frontline operators to senior leadership, within a complex, matrixed environment.
  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to drive alignment across functions, sites, and stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical and business acumen, with the ability to connect continuous improvement activities to operational and financial performance.
  • Proven ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and deliver results in dynamic, resource-constrained environments.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, supply chain, or a related field preferred; advanced degree (e.g., MBA or Master's) is a plus.
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent transformation experience preferred.
  • Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations and leading Lean maturity assessments, Daily Management Systems, and leader/operator standard work is desirable.
What You'll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $114,000K to $135,000K. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

  • Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
  • Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
  • Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
  • Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
  • Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
  • Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
  • Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie 

#LI-DW1

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.


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