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Process Improvement Leader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vantedge

Continuous Improvement Leader

Stockton, CA · On-site

Lead manufacturing process improvement projects including workflow optimization, line balancing ... Train, mentor, and coach employees and leaders at all levels on Lean principles, problem-solving ...

Nichols Farms

Process Improvement Engineer

Hanford, CA · On-site

$116K/yr

Partner with production leadership to establish KPIs and performance metrics. * Conduct time ... years of experience in process improvement, manufacturing, operations, or engineering.

Nichols Farms

Process Improvement Engineer

Hanford, CA · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Partner with production leadership to establish KPIs and performance metrics. * Conduct time ... years of experience in process improvement, manufacturing, operations, or engineering.

Booz Allen Hamilton

Process Improvement Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Process Improvement Specialist The Opportunit y: When an organization has multiple moving parts in ... You'll facilitate discussions with leadership and engineers, analysts, or support staff to help ...

Nichols Farms

Process Improvement Engineer

Hanford, CA · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Partner with production leadership to establish KPIs and performance metrics.Conduct time studies ... 2-5 years of experience in process improvement, manufacturing, operations, or engineering.

Axos Bank

Process Improvement Consultant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, or related field * 6+ years in commercial operations or process improvement, including 2+ years in leadership * Expertise in BPMN, Lean, Six Sigma, and SDLC ...

Axos Bank

Process Improvement Consultant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, or related field * 6+ years in commercial operations or process improvement, including 2+ years in leadership * Expertise in BPMN, Lean, Six Sigma, and SDLC ...

Esri

Sr. Process Improvement Consultant

Redlands, CA · On-site

The Senior Process Improvement Consultant is a master practitioner and leader within the internal-consultant model, responsible for driving and facilitating advanced process improvement initiatives ...

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Process Improvement Leader information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$101.6K

$148K

How much do process improvement leader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for process improvement leader in California is $101,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a process improvement leader typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive change?

Process Improvement Leaders regularly work with cross-functional teams by facilitating workshops, conducting process mapping sessions, and coordinating improvement initiatives. They serve as liaisons between departments such as operations, quality, and IT to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions. Effective communication and stakeholder engagement are key, as Process Improvement Leaders must gain buy-in and support from various team members while managing change. This collaborative approach ensures that improvements are sustainable and aligned with organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process improvement leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Improvement Leader, you need expertise in process analysis, project management, and a strong understanding of methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma, often supported by relevant certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt). Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Minitab, Excel, or process mapping software) is typically required for effective performance measurement and decision-making. Strong communication, leadership, and change management skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and gain buy-in for new initiatives. These capabilities are crucial for successfully identifying inefficiencies, implementing solutions, and sustaining organizational improvements.

What is a process improvement leader?

Process Improvement Leaders are professionals who specialize in analyzing, designing, and implementing strategies to enhance business processes within an organization. Their primary goal is to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve quality and productivity. They often use methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen to streamline workflows and foster a culture of continuous improvement. By collaborating with different teams, they help organizations achieve operational excellence and adapt to changing business needs.

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

AspectProcess Improvement LeaderBusiness Analyst
Primary FocusOptimizing processes and workflowsAnalyzing business needs and requirements
CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, PMP often preferredCBAP, PMI-PBA, or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, operations, manufacturing, or service industriesIT, finance, healthcare, and business units
Key SkillsProcess mapping, data analysis, project managementRequirements gathering, stakeholder communication, data analysis

While both roles focus on improving organizational efficiency, the Process Improvement Leader primarily drives process optimization initiatives, often using methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma. The Business Analyst concentrates on understanding business needs, gathering requirements, and facilitating solutions. Both roles require analytical skills and collaboration but differ in scope and focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Process Improvement Leader jobs in California? For Process Improvement Leader jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Improvement Leader jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Process Improvement Leader jobs in California are:
Process Improvement Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Improvement Leader job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,581 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Continuous Improvement Leader

Vantedge

Stockton, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Continuous Improvement Leader
Full-time Permanent
Salaried $97k - $145k
*We are not currently working with third party agencies on this role.
About Us:
Vander-Bend is a U.S.-based manufacturer dedicated to building the precision infrastructure that powers tomorrow's AI. Our expertise in server racking and power delivery solutions provides the backbone for next-generation data centers, enabling hyperscalers and integrators to innovate and scale globally. With a focus on trusted, domestic manufacturing, we deliver quality, speed, and innovation at scale-redefining AI infrastructure for the future.
We are a newly created division of Vantedge Medical, the premier metals-based med-tech solutions partner from concept to full-scale manufacturing. With a steadfast commitment to advancing technology, we take immense pride in the work we do - and have a lot of fun doing it."
About this Opportunity:
The Continuous Improvement Leader is responsible for improving the overall operational performance of the Stockton facilities through process optimization, Lean Manufacturing, project leadership, and Operational Excellence. This role partners with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Production Control to identify opportunities, eliminate inefficiencies, standardize processes, improve material flow, and implement sustainable business improvements. The CI Leader drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, capacity, and cost while helping develop a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving throughout the organization.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and employee engagement.
  • Champion the use of Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and continuous improvement methodologies including Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Visual Management, 5S, SMED, Pull Systems, A3 Problem Solving, PDCA, and Root Cause Analysis.
  • Identify, prioritize, and execute improvement projects that increase manufacturing capacity, reduce lead time, eliminate waste, and improve operational performance.
  • Facilitate Kaizen events, Rapid Improvement Workshops, and problem-solving activities while ensuring measurable results and long-term sustainment.
  • Facilitate cross-functional improvement projects with Manufacturing Engineering to improve machine utilization, workflow, throughput, and operational performance.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain standardized work, visual work instructions, best practices, and process documentation to improve consistency and reduce variation.
  • Analyze operational data and key performance indicators to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities, and present recommendations to site leadership.
  • Lead manufacturing process improvement projects including workflow optimization, line balancing, workstation design, and manufacturing layout improvements.
  • Improve material flow throughout the facility by reducing transportation, waiting, motion, and inventory waste while optimizing point-of-use inventory and replenishment systems.
  • Support operational readiness activities associated with new equipment, production line transfers, facility expansions, and new product introductions.
  • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to improve automation performance, machine utilization, throughput, and unattended operation where applicable.
  • Facilitate continuous improvement projects with Maintenance to reduce equipment downtime, improve preventive maintenance effectiveness, and increase overall equipment availability.
  • Facilitate root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies including A3, 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto Analysis, 8D, and PDCA.
  • Develop and maintain visual management systems including KPI boards, daily management boards, production dashboards, and other visual controls that support operational decision-making.
  • Lead employee engagement initiatives that encourage idea generation, continuous improvement participation, and a culture of operational excellence.
  • Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, and implementation strategies for continuous improvement initiatives while effectively communicating progress to leadership.
  • Measure, validate, and report project results, including productivity improvements, quality improvements, lead time reduction, capacity gains, and documented cost savings.
  • Partner with Finance to validate realized cost savings and maintain continuous improvement project tracking.
  • Train, mentor, and coach employees and leaders at all levels on Lean principles, problem-solving techniques, continuous improvement methodologies, and change management.
  • Audit implemented improvements to ensure standard work is followed, improvements are sustained, and expected business results continue to be achieved.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering or similar with applicable experience is required.
  • Lean, SixSigma, and/or Project Management certification strongly preferred
  • 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
  • 3 years directly involved in lean/CI leadership
  • Experience leading cross-functional projects
  • Experience with ERP and manufacturing reporting systems (Infor Visual, Power BI, Excel)
  • Demonstrated history of implementing measurable operational improvements
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent facilitation, communication, and change management skills.
  • Strong leadership skills - directly and indirectly.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with proficiency in tools like A3 thinking, 8D, and root cause analysis.
  • High energy, self-motivated, and results-oriented.
  • Experience working in a metal fabrication or contract manufacturing environment is highly desirable.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and SmartSheet required.
  • Working knowledge of ISO and FDA regulations.
  • Experience in sheet metal fabrication, automation, or contract manufacturing strongly is a plus
  • Some lifting, 50lbs or less, may be needed less than 25% of the time.

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