Lean Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Purpose:

The Operational Excellence Manager will play a critical leadership role in driving continuous improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities. This position is responsible for developing and implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence strategies that improve safety, quality, productivity, delivery performance, and inventory management.

This role is highly hands on and collaborative, working cross-functionally with operations, engineering, supply chain, quality, and plant leadership teams to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate waste, standardize processes, and build sustainable operational capabilities. The ideal candidate is an analytical thinker with strong leadership skills who can also execute effectively on the plant floor.

A key component of this position includes supporting operational expansion initiatives, including travel to domestic and international facilities—particularly our Leon, Mexico location—to help implement new manufacturing processes, establish new product lines, and support organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead cost and operational excellence projects aimed at improving safety, quality, productivity, and delivery.
- Drive the Lean/Six Sigma culture within the organization by promoting continuous improvement practices.
- Identify and execute waste-reduction initiatives to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
- Lead cross-functional teams using Lean methodologies such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kanban, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
- Train and develop teams to enhance their understanding and application of Lean principles.
- Partner with various departments to support growth, capacity expansion, and optimization strategies.
- Utilize proficiency in continuous improvement frameworks and Lean methodologies/tools like 5S, VSM, and Six Sigma to achieve operational excellence.
- Leverage experience with ERP systems and process mapping to optimize business processes.
- Manage projects and change initiatives with a hands-on approach, ensuring the delivery of measurable results.
- Travel 25-40% to support strategic initiatives and drive Lean/Six Sigma projects across different locations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct detailed assessments of manufacturing and operational workflows to identify bottlenecks, waste, inefficiencies, and opportunities for standardization and improvement.

Develop, implement, and sustain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), visual management systems, and process controls aligned with Lean/Six Sigma principles.

Analyze operational data and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness and sustainability of improvement initiatives.

Present project progress, business impact, and performance results to plant leadership and executive stakeholders.

Collaborate with leadership teams to prioritize continuous improvement opportunities, support capital expenditure planning, and allocate project resources effectively.

Lead implementation teams responsible for achieving measurable improvements in cost reduction, productivity, safety, quality, inventory management, and customer delivery performance.

Support the development and expansion of manufacturing processes, materials capabilities, and operational scalability across the organization.

Facilitate change management efforts by building organizational engagement, accountability, and adoption of Operational Excellence practices.

Ensure continuous improvement initiatives are aligned with company goals, operational strategies, and long-term growth objectives.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Operations Management.
PREFERRED EDUCATION:Master's degree in Engineering or Operations Management.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:- 5-8 years as a Lean / Six Sigma Manager or in similar process improvement roles.
- Experience in operations leadership, process optimization, or lean management.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Operations Leadership, or Process Optimization within a manufacturing environment.

Demonstrated success leading Lean/Six Sigma initiatives that delivered measurable operational and financial results.

Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools including:

5S

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

Kanban

Root Cause Analysis

Standard Work

Statistical Process Improvement Methods

Experience working with ERP systems, manufacturing systems, and process mapping software to support operational improvements.

Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and manage change in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Excellent leadership, communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with experience interpreting operational data and identifying actionable improvement opportunities.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining focus on execution and results.

Strong commitment to safety, operational discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement culture development.

Experience in manufacturing, logistics, industrial operations, or related operational environments preferred.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related discipline.

Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification.

Lean Manufacturing Certification.

PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification.

CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) Certification.

CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) Certification.

Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations and international facilities.

- Excellent communicator and leader with the ability to influence others.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects in dynamic settings.
- Strong analytical skills with a results-driven mindset focused on measurable outcomes.
- Commitment to fostering continuous improvement.

PRIMARY LOCATION AND REPORTING STRUCTURE

Valparaiso, Indiana

Travel Requirement: 25-40%, including support for the Leon, Mexico facility.

Preferred Skills and Abilities: