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Process Improvement Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Continuous Improvement Engineer

Northlake, IL · On-site

$78K - $104K/yr

As a CI Engineer, you will be responsible for process improvement initiatives around the business ... associates. The CI Engineer will be the data resource of the team and will ensures data driven ...

Associate, Working Capital

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Description Alvarez & Marsal Private Equity Performance Improvement Associate: CFO Services Alvarez ... managing the process through to completion. * Developing findings and making strategic ...

Associate, Working Capital

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Description Alvarez & Marsal Private Equity Performance Improvement Associate: CFO Services Alvarez ... managing the process through to completion. * Developing findings and making strategic ...

You will lead manufacturing process improvement projects from concept to completion, ensuring they ... For the 3rd opening: no degree required with 5+ years of experience or an associate's or bachelor ...

New

Process Engineer

Freeport, IL · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

You will lead manufacturing process improvement projects from concept to completion, ensuring they ... For the 3rd opening: no degree required with 5+ years of experience or an associate's or bachelor ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Improvement Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$38.8K

$87.8K

$128.9K

How much do process improvement associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for process improvement associate in Illinois is $87,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,800.00 and $99,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Process Improvement Associate vs Business Analyst?

AspectProcess Improvement AssociateBusiness Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in business, operations, or related field; certifications like Lean or Six Sigma are commonBachelor's degree in business, finance, or related; certifications like CBAP or Six Sigma are advantageous
Work EnvironmentOften in manufacturing, healthcare, or corporate settings focusing on process efficiencyIn various industries including finance, IT, and consulting, analyzing business needs and solutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies aiming to optimize processes and reduce costsUsed by organizations to improve business operations and implement technology solutions

While both roles focus on improving organizational efficiency, the Process Improvement Associate primarily concentrates on streamlining processes through methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma. The Business Analyst, on the other hand, often has a broader scope, analyzing business needs, gathering requirements, and recommending solutions, which may include process improvements. Both roles require analytical skills and certifications, but their focus areas and typical industries differ slightly.

What are Process Improvement Associates?

Process Improvement Associates are professionals who analyze and optimize business processes within an organization to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality. They collect data, identify areas for improvement, and collaborate with various teams to implement changes. These associates often use methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen to guide their efforts. Their goal is to streamline operations and support the organization's strategic objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by Process Improvement Associates when implementing new procedures?

Process Improvement Associates often encounter resistance to change from team members who are accustomed to existing workflows. Building consensus and clearly communicating the benefits of proposed improvements is essential to gaining buy-in. Additionally, balancing multiple projects and ensuring that process changes align with organizational objectives can be challenging. Successful associates typically collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to gather feedback, address concerns, and monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Improvement Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Improvement Associate, you need strong analytical skills, knowledge of process mapping methodologies, and a relevant degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, and process management software like Microsoft Visio or Minitab is commonly required, and certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt are often preferred. Outstanding communication, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset help individuals stand out in this role. These skills enable effective identification and implementation of process enhancements, driving efficiency and value within organizations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Improvement jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Process Improvement jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Process Improvement Associate jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Process Improvement Associate jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Process Improvement Associate jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Process Improvement Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Improvement Associate job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,842 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Senior Consultant, Technology Process Improvement & Optimization

Senior Consultant, Technology Process Improvement & Optimization

Vizient, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$102K - $179K/yr

Other

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


Job description

When you're the best, we're the best. We instill an environment where employees feel engaged, satisfied and able to contribute their unique skills and talents while living and working as their authentic selves. We provide extensive opportunities for personal and professional development, building both employee competence and organizational capability to fuel exceptional performance through an inclusive environment both now and in the future.

Summary:


In this role, you will lead process improvement and optimization initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, effectiveness, and employee experience across the organization. You will partner with internal stakeholders across product, engineering, and operations to assess current-state operations, identify improvement opportunities, and design scalable technology solutions that align business needs with operational goals. Leveraging data, analytics, automation, workflow technologies, and AI-enabled capabilities, you will drive measurable business outcomes and support transformation efforts. As a trusted advisor, you will facilitate stakeholder alignment, provide data-driven recommendations, and guide teams through implementation and change. You will oversee initiatives from assessment through adoption and continuous improvement while mentoring team members and advancing operational excellence across the organization.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead end-to-end process improvement and operational optimization initiatives.
  • Conduct current-state assessments and identify strategic opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience.
  • Design future-state workflows, operating models, governance structures, and optimization strategies.
  • Define key performance indicators, success metrics, and reporting frameworks to measure operational performance and business impact.
  • Develop and execute implementation plans, including stabilization and continuous improvement activities.
  • Identify opportunities to leverage automation, workflow technologies, and AI-enabled solutions to enhance business processes.
  • Partner with technical teams to align operational requirements with system capabilities and technology roadmaps.
  • Facilitate stakeholder workshops, alignment sessions, and change adoption activities to support successful outcomes.
  • Manage project risks, dependencies, escalations, and issue resolution while ensuring delivery objectives are achieved.
  • Mentor consultants and associate consultants, sharing best practices, methodologies, and project delivery expertise.

Qualifications:

  • Relevant degree preferred.
  • 5 or more years of relevant experience required.
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience leading process improvement, operational excellence, transformation, or consulting initiatives with measurable outcomes.
  • Strong facilitation, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience with Lean, Agile, Six Sigma, change management, or related continuous improvement methodologies highly preferred.
  • Ability to analyze complex business challenges and develop scalable, data-driven solutions.
  • Experience leveraging automation, workflow technologies, analytics, or AI-enabled tools to improve operational performance highly preferred.
  • Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead medium-to-high complexity initiatives with limited oversight.

Estimated Hiring Range:

At Vizient, we consider skills, experience, and organizational needs in our compensation approach. Geographic factors may adjust the range estimate and hires typically fall below the top range. Compensation decisions are tailored to individual circumstances. The current salary range for this role is $102,400.00 to $179,000.00.

This position is also incentive eligible.

Vizient has a comprehensive benefits plan! Please view our benefits here:

http://www.vizientinc.com/about-us/careers

Equal Opportunity Employer: Females/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The Company is committed to equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity, ethnicity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.