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Lean Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Autocam Medical

Lean Specialist

Kentwood, MI · On-site

Description The Lean Specialist is responsible for driving and standardizing continuous improvement initiatives across all U.S. manufacturing facilities. This role partners with site leadership to ...

Autocam Medical

Lean Specialist

Kentwood, MI

The Lean Specialist is responsible for driving and standardizing continuous improvement initiatives across all U.S. manufacturing facilities. This role partners with site leadership to implement and ...

spidf

Lean Manufacturing Engineer

Sturgis, MI · On-site

General Manager SUMMARY The SLMS Engineer is a technical and plant floor focused leadership position with an emphasis on improving manufacturing operations across the plant using SLMS (Summit Lean ...

Ford Motor Company

Lean Strategist

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$112K - $212K/yr

As a Lean Strategist, you will be a key architect of Ford's continuous improvement culture. You will be responsible for designing and implementing strategic frameworks that drive efficiency, quality ...

Ilmor

Lean Manufacturing Supervisor

New Hudson, MI

LEAN MANUFACTURING SUPERVISOR - MARINE ENGINES Step into a leadership role at the heart of our marine engine production operation. In this fast-paced and highly visible role, you will own the ...

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Lean information

See Michigan salary details

$48.4K

$88.4K

$122.5K

How much do lean jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean in Michigan is $88,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $100,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in a Lean role, you need a strong understanding of Lean principles, process improvement methodologies, and data analysis, usually supported by experience in manufacturing, operations, or engineering. Familiarity with tools such as value stream mapping, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Lean certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt) is highly desirable. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and change management skills help you effectively lead teams and drive improvement initiatives. These abilities are crucial for successfully optimizing processes, reducing waste, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing jobs due to high competition, limited work experience, and employers' preference for candidates with specific skills or certifications. Additionally, economic factors and changing hiring practices can make entry-level positions more competitive for this age group.

What is a lean job?

A lean job typically refers to a position that involves implementing or supporting lean principles, which focus on reducing waste and improving efficiency in processes. Common roles include lean coordinators, process improvement specialists, and operational analysts who use tools like value stream mapping and Kaizen to optimize workflows.

How much do lean specialists make?

Lean specialists typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Certifications like Lean Six Sigma can enhance earning potential, and roles often require strong problem-solving and process improvement skills.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone in a Lean role?

A professional in a Lean role typically spends their day analyzing current processes, facilitating Kaizen events or improvement workshops, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to identify and eliminate inefficiencies. They collect and analyze data, implement new procedures, and monitor progress using Lean tools and metrics. Regular communication with team members and leadership is crucial to ensure everyone is aligned and engaged with Lean initiatives. The role is dynamic and hands-on, offering opportunities to directly impact operational efficiency and organizational performance.

What is lean vs Six Sigma?

Lean and Six Sigma are both methodologies used to improve processes, but they focus on different aspects. Lean emphasizes reducing waste and increasing flow by streamlining workflows, while Six Sigma aims to reduce variation and defects through data-driven analysis. Many organizations combine both approaches for comprehensive process improvement, often requiring certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

What is a Lean job?

A Lean job typically involves improving processes, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency within an organization. Lean professionals use principles from the Lean methodology to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and deliver greater value to customers. These roles can be found in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Common job titles include Lean Manager, Continuous Improvement Specialist, and Process Improvement Consultant.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lean jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Lean jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Lean jobs in Michigan? For Lean jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lean jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Lean jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Lean jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Lean job openings:
Lean jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lean job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,397 per year, or $42.5 per hour.
Lean Specialist

Lean Specialist

Autocam Medical

Kentwood, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
The Lean Specialist is responsible for driving and standardizing continuous improvement initiatives across all U.S. manufacturing facilities. This role partners with site leadership to implement and sustain Lean methodologies, with a strong emphasis on standard work, SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Dies), and waste elimination.
Reporting directly to the COO, this position serves as a key change agent, deploying enterprise-wide operational excellence strategies that improve quality, delivery, and cost performance while ensuring consistency across sites.
Responsibilities
Enterprise Continuous Improvement Leadership
• Lead the deployment of Lean Manufacturing principles across all U.S. facilities
• Drive a consistent operational excellence framework across plants
• Identify and prioritize high-impact improvement opportunities aligned with business objectives
• Facilitate Kaizen events and structured problem-solving initiatives (A3, DMAIC)
Standard Work Development & Sustainment
• Establish, document, and deploy standard work across critical operations
• Partner with site teams to ensure adherence and sustainability of standard processes
• Audit and continuously improve standard work to drive consistency and repeatability
• Train plant leadership and operators on standard work principles and execution
SMED & Changeover Optimization
• Lead SMED initiatives to significantly reduce setup and changeover times
• Analyze current changeover processes and separate internal vs. external activities
• Implement best practices to improve equipment uptime, flexibility, and responsiveness
• Drive replication of successful SMED improvements across all facilities
Operational Performance & Metrics
• Develop and standardize key performance metrics (OEE, changeover time, scrap, throughput, lead time)
• Use data analytics to identify trends, gaps, and improvement opportunities
• Support sites in achieving measurable performance improvements
Process Optimization & Best Practice Deployment
• Drive cross-site standardization of best practices and processes
• Support facility layout, flow improvements, and capacity optimization efforts
Cross-Site Collaboration & Leadership
• Act as a liaison between corporate leadership and plant operations
• Influence and support plant leaders to adopt and sustain improvements
• Share best practices and lessons learned across all facilities
Training & Culture Development
• Train and coach employees at all levels on Lean tools and methodologies
• Build internal capability in standard work, SMED, and problem-solving
• Drive a culture of accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement
Requirements
• Ability to influence across multiple sites without direct authority
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills
• High level of ownership and accountability
• Strategic thinking with hands-on execution capability
• Excellent communication across all organizational levels
• Change management and cultural leadership
• Corporate role supporting all U.S. manufacturing facilities
• Travel required: approximately 40-60% to plant locations
• Hands-on presence in plants to lead and sustain improvements
Education and Work Experience Required
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related field)
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean initiatives across multiple sites preferred, specifically in Standard Work, SMED, VSMs, etc
• Experience in medical device or regulated manufacturing strongly preferred
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Formal Lean or Toyota Production System training is a plus

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