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Lean Manufacturing Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Lean Coordinator

Farmington, MN · On-site

$55K - $69K/yr

The Lean Coordinator dedicates a large amount of time utilizing lean tools to improve office admin ... Knowledge of the material, costs, techniques and processes used within the manufacturing industry

Lean Coordinator

Farmington, MN · On-site

$55K - $69K/yr

The Lean Coordinator dedicates a large amount of time utilizing lean tools to improve office admin ... Knowledge of the material, costs, techniques and processes used within the manufacturing industry

Lean Specialist

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

Use Lean tools to identify and eliminate defects while working with and teaching shop floor ... NFI Group is a leading independent global bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass ...

Lean Specialist

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

Use Lean tools to identify and eliminate defects while working with and teaching shop floor ... NFI Group is a leading independent global bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass ...

Facilitator, Lean

Roseau, MN · On-site

$24.84 - $29.68/hr

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and/or Six Sigma concepts. Ability to facilitate teams, discussions, and structured problem-solving.

Drive lean manufacturing and operational excellence: Establish and deploy lean manufacturing practices, daily management systems, standard work, visual management, value stream mapping, kaizen ...

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Lean Manufacturing information

See Minnesota salary details

$36.2K

$77.9K

$98.9K

How much do lean manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean manufacturing in Minnesota is $77,884.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $86,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lean manufacturing job?

A Lean Manufacturing job focuses on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing production processes in a manufacturing environment. Professionals in this field use Lean principles, such as Kaizen and Just-in-Time (JIT), to streamline operations and enhance productivity. Roles may include Lean Engineers, Continuous Improvement Managers, or Process Analysts, all working to implement cost-saving strategies and improve quality. These jobs often require expertise in problem-solving, process mapping, and data analysis to drive operational excellence.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in lean manufacturing roles?

Professionals in Lean Manufacturing often encounter challenges such as resistance to change from team members, balancing productivity with quality, and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives. Adapting existing processes to new Lean methods can require strong collaboration and clear communication across departments. Additionally, prioritizing improvement projects and maintaining momentum can be demanding in fast-paced manufacturing settings. Overcoming these challenges provides valuable experience and prepares professionals for leadership roles in operational excellence.

What does a lean manufacturing do?

A lean manufacturing professional focuses on improving production efficiency by reducing waste, streamlining processes, and enhancing quality. They analyze workflows, implement continuous improvement methods like Kaizen, and often use tools such as value stream mapping to optimize operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the lean manufacturing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Lean Manufacturing, you need a solid background in production processes, process improvement methodologies, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with Lean tools like 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Six Sigma certifications are often required, along with experience using ERP or manufacturing software. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills are essential for facilitating change and working with cross-functional teams. These competencies are vital to effectively drive efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure consistent product quality in manufacturing environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lean Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Lean Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Lean Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota? For Lean Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lean Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Lean Manufacturing jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Lean Manufacturing job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,884 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

$55K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Valmont Industries rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

180th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

20805 Eaton Ave Farmington Minnesota 55024-7932
Why Valmont
We're Here to Move the World Forward.
Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better.
Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? Apply now.
A Brief Summary of This Position:
This individual contributor position provides on-going assistance to Lean teams and leaders in the form of coaching, training, data management and analysis, helping with project justifications, as well as acting as a liaison between team leaders, support groups, management and other functional areas. This position identifies and communicates obstacles that may affect team performance. This position prepares and presents updates as required, performs training on lean processes and methodology, and assists other teams and team leaders as required. The majority of this position's time is spent in interaction with others; identifying and analyzing opportunities for improvement and waste reduction. The Lean Coordinator dedicates a large amount of time utilizing lean tools to improve office admin and operational processes. The incumbent needs to have proven capabilities and past accomplishments of improving administrative jobs through the utilization of Lean tools.
This position pays between $55,300 to $69,000 depending on education and experience.
Essential Functions:
  • Facilitate and coach Lean / 5S events / Standard Work events, coordinate Lean activities, including acting as a liaison between teams, support groups, management, and other functional areas, removing obstacles that may affect team performance, and assisting other teams and Lean Technicians as required
  • Calculate and maintain Lean-related measures, maintain records, maintain visual boards, and communicate data to relevant personnel
  • Create and/or Update Standard Work
  • Prepare and deliver weekly/monthly updates to the Management Team.
  • Provides Lean training as necessary
  • This position reports into the Plant Manager.

Other Important Details about the Role:
  • Organization of meetings and tours for visitors
  • Judgment and decision making skills while comparing relative cost and benefit potential
  • Deductive reasoning ability to formulate answers to specific questions that make sense
  • Help identify employee / distribution center training needs
  • Collaborate with a group to reach consensus
  • Effectively communicate with all levels of the workforce and management
  • The ability to motivate, develop and direct people without having authority over them
  • Strong leadership, problem solving, planning skills and attention to detail with accuracy
  • Schedule daily workload without supervision or direction
  • Work quickly and efficiently with employees as well as suppliers and vendors
  • The ability to organize and manage multiple, simultaneous priorities and meet aggressive deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Knowledge of the material, costs, techniques and processes used within the manufacturing industry
  • Support capital expenditure projects as needed and may include taking the lead

Required Qualifications of Every Candidate (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):
  • A demonstrated understanding of Lean principles and methodology
  • A working knowledge in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • The ability to speak in front of a group of co-workers or visitors
  • Ability to travel up to 5% on an annual basis
  • Certificate or courses taken in lean up to and including an Associate degree

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications:
  • Proven capabilities to improve office/administrative jobs through the utilization of lean tools
  • Proven facilitation/coaching skills of Improvement events, Standard Work events, SMED events, Root cause problem solving, manufacturing and administrative value stream improvement projects
  • A solid understanding of Center of Lean Excellence criteria
  • Demonstrated commitment to learning through Lean readings and available training and educational opportunities
  • A working knowledge in advanced Microsoft applications such as Visio, PowerPoint, Access, and SharePoint
  • A Lean Certification, Associate or Bachelor's degree

Working Environment and Physical Efforts:
The incumbent is exposed to hazards that may exist within manufacturing and shipping areas. Some hazards are chemical vapors, smoke, dust, frozen water, and noise over 80 decibels. Although some of the work can be performed in an office setting; most on the shift will be spent moving around different areas of the manufacturing plant. The incumbent must be able to work in and follow the safety rules of all areas of the facility, including the use of personal protective equipment where required. This equipment includes metatarsal safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection and safety vests. This position may require overtime work as needed to support the Lean initiative including travel to other company facilities and offsite locations. Any overnight travel would be domestic and would represent less than 5% of the work schedule. The environment is fast-paced and demanding especially during peak production season which is the fall and winter months.
The incumbent needs to lift parts and inspect equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. The incumbent is required to move throughout the plant to various events and activities. There are areas of the plant that cannot be accessed by elevator and the Lean Coordinator needs to be able to access these areas by stairs. This position may require standing and moving around the site for up to 80% of the shift. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to type. Reaching hands and arms above shoulder height while working in the office or distribution centers may be required. The Lean Coordinator needs to be able to drive around the plant and to Lean events. Due to the visual requirements of this position, employee must demonstrate acceptable vision by passing the driver's license eye test for either the state of Nebraska or the state of Iowa. If employee does not have a valid license from either of these states, the determination of acceptable vision will be made by the Safety Department on an individual basis.
Benefits
Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family's overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:
  • Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
  • 401k retirement plan with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Employer paid life insurance
  • Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
  • Work Life Support
  • Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
  • Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.

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