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Process Improvement Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Process Improvement information

See Illinois salary details

$38.8K

$87.8K

$128.9K

How much do process improvement jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for process improvement 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 process improvement?

Process improvement refers to the practice of identifying, analyzing, and enhancing existing business processes to optimize performance, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. It involves evaluating current workflows, finding inefficiencies or bottlenecks, and implementing changes to make operations smoother and more effective. Process improvement can be applied to any area of an organization and often uses methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen. The goal is to deliver better quality, speed, and value to customers and the business.

How does a process improvement professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement changes?

Process Improvement professionals often work closely with stakeholders from various departments such as operations, IT, quality assurance, and management. They facilitate workshops, collect feedback, and use data-driven analysis to identify inefficiencies and recommend solutions. Successful collaboration requires strong communication and influencing skills, as well as the ability to build consensus around new processes. Regular meetings and progress updates ensure that everyone is aligned and any obstacles are addressed promptly.

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

To thrive as a Process Improvement Specialist, you need expertise in process analysis, project management, and data-driven problem-solving, often supported by a degree in business or engineering and Lean Six Sigma certification. Familiarity with process mapping tools, statistical analysis software, and workflow management systems is typically required. Strong communication, collaboration, and change management skills help drive stakeholder engagement and successful implementation. These competencies are crucial for identifying inefficiencies, implementing sustainable improvements, and achieving organizational goals.

What is the difference between Process Improvement vs Business Analyst?

AspectProcess ImprovementBusiness Analyst
Primary FocusOptimizing processes and workflowsAnalyzing business needs and defining solutions
Skills & CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, project managementRequirements gathering, data analysis, communication
Work EnvironmentOperations, manufacturing, service industriesIT, finance, healthcare, various industries
GoalsIncrease efficiency, reduce wasteImprove business processes, support decision-making

While Process Improvement specialists focus on streamlining workflows and reducing inefficiencies, Business Analysts analyze business needs and recommend solutions. Both roles require analytical skills, but Process Improvement emphasizes methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma, whereas Business Analysts focus on requirements gathering and stakeholder communication. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right roles for operational efficiency and strategic projects.

How to get into process improvement?

To enter process improvement, candidates typically need a background in operations, engineering, or business, along with skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and project management. Earning certifications such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen can enhance prospects, and gaining experience through roles in operations or quality assurance is beneficial.

What does a process improvement job entail?

A process improvement job involves analyzing existing workflows to identify inefficiencies and implementing solutions to enhance productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Professionals in this role often use tools like Six Sigma or Lean methodologies and may require strong analytical skills and process mapping knowledge. The goal is to optimize operations and support continuous improvement within an organization.

What jobs focus on process improvement?

Jobs that focus on process improvement include roles such as Process Improvement Specialist, Business Analyst, Lean Six Sigma Consultant, and Continuous Improvement Manager. These positions involve analyzing workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing strategies to enhance productivity and quality, often utilizing tools like Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Lean methodologies.

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 cities in Illinois are hiring for Process Improvement jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Process Improvement job openings:

Infographic showing various Process Improvement job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,842 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Process Improvement Engineer - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

Decatur, IL • On-site

$109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 366 rated logistics


Job description


Process Improvement Engineer - Decatur, IL
Position Summary:
The Process Improvement Engineer is responsible for implementing process and technology improvement opportunities within their process area; applying analytical gap analysis and problem solving techniques to develop an opportunity landscape for the unit. The Process Improvement Engineer leads the team in evaluating and prioritizing improvements from the opportunity list for implementation and works cross-functionally with technology experts and operations, reliability and maintenance teams to collect data required to complete scope definition for improvement projects and activities.
The Process Improvement Engineer will also develop a portfolio of capex and non-capex improvement projects for their area as an output of the above process and owns the capex portfolio full scope of work for their process area; including scope definition, prioritization, interfacing with operations, guiding and directing the project engineering team, and will have accountability for the delivery and performance of projects, driving the 1-year and 5-year capex plans within their process area.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Partner with Plant Operations leadership on driving and leading the improvement process; analyzing production loss and accounting data to develop and prioritize a list of opportunities to improve processes
  • Ensure that holistic ideation involving all functions and stakeholders is effective and aggregated, and that the resulting list of capex and non-capex projects is aligned with strategic goals.
  • Collaborate with plant leadership to implement and track performance metrics to maintain or improve the effectiveness of operating assets.
  • Develop the process knowledge required to guide production teams in the optimization of unit operations and the achievement of production targets.
  • CAPEX planning, prioritization and tracking. Active Participation in the portfolio management process and accountable for capex portfolio integrity within their process unit.
  • Guide and drive the technical scope for capex projects.
  • Partner with operations leadership and portfolio manager in the development of site capital budgeting
  • Act as a super user of WAVE for oversight and managing the portfolio of initiatives within the region.
  • Drive accountability of initiative and project execution.
  • Support the prioritization of the Project portfolio in cooperation with the Plant Manager and Business stakeholders.
  • Function as a manufacturing technology resource for plant operations leaders.
  • Actively participate in the operations performance management process
  • Function as a champion to propose new technologies.
  • Drive a culture of Safety and Food Safety by partnering with operations teams on technology solutions.
Job Requirements:
  • BS in engineering, preferably Chemical, Mechanical, Agricultural or similar
  • 5+ years of experience in a project or process engineering role in the food industry
  • Operations leadership experience is preferred.
  • Dedication to working safely and to the awareness for the safety of others.
  • Excellent communication and people skills for working with plant personnel and regional management.
  • Willingness to spend time in plant areas - tolerate extreme temperatures, walk long distances, stand, climb stairs and ladders and move through close spaces.
  • Ability to work effectively on a team as well as independently while traveling to remote plant locations.
Skills: (Languages, computer skills etc.)
  • Demonstrated problem solving, diagnostic and analytical skills, with a result focused approach.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Team player with a propensity for collaboration
  • Demonstrated strategic mindset.
  • Self-motivated work habits and capable of prioritizing and balancing resources between multiple simultaneous initiatives
  • General knowledge of software applications
  • Direct experience in applicable manufacturing unit operations preferred, for example: soybean extraction/refining, spray drying, dry blending, emulsions, reactions, separations, distillation, filtration, corn wet milling.
  • Controls and plant automation knowledge or experience

Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
Domestic relocation support is available. ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
'AJCIND' REF:110027BR
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM's efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments - environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
Benefits and Perks
Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:
  • Physical wellness - medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
  • Financial wellness - flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
  • Mental and social wellness - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
Additional benefits include:
  • Paid time off including paid holidays.
  • Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
*Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

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