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Lean Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HMOS Lean Specialist

Prattville, AL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Summary The Lean Specialist is responsible for executing specific lean initiatives and projects with a goal to achieve workplace organization through continuous improvement by working inclusively and ...

Summary The Lean Specialist is responsible for executing specific lean initiatives and projects with a goal to achieve workplace organization through continuous improvement by working inclusively and ...

HMOS Lean Specialist

Prattville, AL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Summary The Lean Specialist is responsible for executing specific lean initiatives and projects with a goal to achieve workplace organization through continuous improvement by working inclusively and ...

Supports project planning for improvement (Kaizen, Yokoten, Project Charting, projects with probabilistic data "Lean Green Belt" to more complex issues and possibilities to analyze data, DMAIC action ...

Lead Lean Analyst

Houston, TX · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The Lean specialist will play a lead role in driving and facilitating workshops and process improvement projects along with client team by facilitating groups and teams, monitoring for sustainability ...

New

Site CI/Lean Specialist

Jacksonville, FL

$69K - $88K/yr

Apply Lean principles (e.g., 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Poka-Yoke) and Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC) to solve complex operational problems and drive sustainable change. * Training and Mentorship:

Lead Lean Analyst

Houston, TX · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The Lean specialist will play a lead role in driving and facilitating workshops and process improvement projects along with client team by facilitating groups and teams, monitoring for sustainability ...

Showing results 21-40

Lean Specialist information

See salary details

$62K

$95.7K

$155K

How much do lean specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean specialist in the United States is $95,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a lean specialist?

Lean Specialists typically spend their days analyzing current processes, identifying inefficiencies, and leading initiatives to implement process improvements across departments. They work closely with cross-functional teams to facilitate Lean workshops, conduct root cause analyses, and develop standard operating procedures. Collaboration with managers, line staff, and sometimes external stakeholders is essential to ensure strategies are adopted and results are sustained. This role often involves tracking improvement metrics and reporting outcomes to leadership, making it both hands-on and analytical.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lean specialist?

To thrive as a Lean Specialist, you need strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of process improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma, and relevant experience in manufacturing or operations. Familiarity with tools such as value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and knowledge of ERP or process management systems, as well as certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt, are highly valued. Excellent communication, facilitation, and change management skills help a Lean Specialist drive cross-functional collaboration and influence organizational culture. These capabilities are essential for successfully implementing continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and achieve measurable results.

What is a lean specialist?

A Lean Specialist is a professional who focuses on improving efficiency and reducing waste in business processes using Lean methodologies. They analyze workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement strategies to enhance productivity and quality. Lean Specialists often work in manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries to streamline operations and improve overall performance. Their role includes training employees, facilitating process improvement initiatives, and ensuring continuous improvement within an organization.

What does a lean specialist do?

A lean specialist focuses on improving efficiency and reducing waste within organizations by analyzing processes and implementing lean methodologies such as value stream mapping and continuous improvement. They often work with cross-functional teams, utilize tools like Six Sigma, and may hold certifications to optimize production or operational workflows.
More about Lean Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Lean Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Lean Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lean Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Lean Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Lean Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Lean Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lean Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,666 per year, or $46 per hour.

Lean Specialist, Lean Transformation Center of Excellence

sylvamo

Memphis, TN • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Sylvamo rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Lean Specialist, Lean Transformation Center of Excellence:  PG (commensurate with experience)

 

Position Summary

Provides deep subject matter expertise in applying LEAN principles to manufacturing/business processes, specifically pulp and paper manufacturing, chemical recovery, and converting operations. Serves as the technical LEAN coach for improvement across all sites during the critical launch phase, ensuring that LEAN tools are adapted appropriately for process industries where traditional discrete-manufacturing Lean approaches (e.g., one-piece flow, takt time) require modification. This newly designed role helps realize the Lean Transformation implementation strategy and accelerate implementation companywide over the next 12–18 months, supporting key aspects of the transformation including communication and change management efforts.


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop LEAN application guides specific to continuous processes: paper machines, pulp digesters, chemical recovery systems, and associated processes
  • Adapt traditional LEAN tools (Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, SMED) for continuous process environments where changeovers, grade changes, and startup/shutdown sequences are the primary improvement targets
  • Lead kaizen events focused on machine efficiency (OEE), grade change optimization, broke/waste reduction, energy consumption, and chemical usage optimization
  • Provide coaching across Lean methodologies to drive rapid improvement and rapidly upskill the existing base of Lean practitioners
  • Coach Site CI Managers on the technical nuances of applying LEAN in continuous process environments
  • Develop standard work documentation for critical continuous process operations (machine starts, grade changes, shutdown procedures)
  • Partner with other LEAN Specialists/Coaches to ensure seamless value stream integration between continuous (papermaking) and discrete (converting) operations
  • Transfer knowledge to site CI teams through structured coaching, documented methodologies, and co-facilitation of kaizen events
  • Support integration of LEAN with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) for paper machines and converting equipment

Required Skills and Knowledge

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

10+ years of experience in continuous process manufacturing, with a minimum of 5 years in LEAN/CI roles within process industries

Strong knowledge of Lean methodology across the entire value stream from forest to customer, with the ability to lead, listen, learn, empower others, act with urgency, and deliver results 

  • Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with demonstrated expertise in process industry applications preferred
  • Deep knowledge of paper manufacturing processes: pulping, papermaking, chemical recovery, and converting
  • Experience with OEE improvement, SMED for grade changes, and statistical process control in continuous environments

Travel Requirements

 

Willingness to travel extensively (60–80%) 

Competency

Safe and Well

Courageous

Humble

Self-aware

Development-minded

Inclusive and Collaborative

Team-oriented

Business Savvy

Customer Focused

Operationally Excellent


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