What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Continuous Improvement Coach (Lean Six Sigma) position at Gravity IT Resources?
Command Center Coach / Principal Continuous Improvement Consultant
Location: Oakland, CA
Employment Type: Contract (1-year initial duration with potential for extension/conversion)
Work Model: Hybrid (2–3 days onsite per week in Oakland, CA)
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Command Center Coach / Principal Continuous Improvement Consultant to support a large-scale enterprise Lean transformation. This individual will partner with operational teams and senior leadership to improve performance management systems, strengthen Lean maturity, and build sustainable problem-solving capabilities across the organization.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about coaching teams, building Lean capability, improving operational performance, and translating continuous improvement principles into practical business solutions.
The ideal candidate is not just a Lean practitioner — they are a coach who can influence leaders, simplify complex concepts, and help teams become self-sufficient through strong visual management, KPI governance, and structured problem solving.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a Lean subject matter expert and coach for cross-functional teams and leadership groups.
- Coach teams through the development and maturity of command centers, operating reviews, and performance management systems.
- Partner with business leaders to implement Lean principles, standards, and best practices across complex operational environments.
- Support monthly operating reviews, helping teams use metrics and data to identify gaps, solve problems, and improve outcomes.
- Develop, analyze, and improve KPI structures, KPI trees, dashboards, and performance management processes.
- Facilitate A3 problem solving, root cause analysis, and structured improvement initiatives.
- Coach leaders and teams on visual management practices and how to effectively communicate progress, risks, and performance trends.
- Build and revise Lean standards, maturity models, assessments, documentation, and operational processes.
- Lead conversations with director and executive-level stakeholders to drive alignment, adoption, and continuous improvement.
- Translate Lean methodologies into clear, practical business language for teams at varying maturity levels.
Required Qualifications
- 8–10 years of Lean, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Business Transformation experience.
- Experience implementing Lean methodologies in large, complex enterprise environments.
- Proven background coaching leaders and operational teams (not just training or facilitating workshops).
- Strong experience with:
- Visual management systems
- Command centers / operational excellence centers
- Operating reviews
- KPI development and governance
- Performance metrics and KPI trees
- A3 problem solving
- Root cause analysis
- Experience developing or improving Lean standards, maturity models, assessments, or operational processes.
- Ability to influence and coach senior leaders, directors, and executive stakeholders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex Lean concepts.
- Experience driving cross-functional process improvements and organizational change.
What Makes Someone Successful in This Role
The strongest candidates will bring a balance of Lean expertise, executive presence, and coaching ability. Success requires someone who can meet teams where they are, build trust, create simple and repeatable processes, and help organizations develop long-term continuous improvement capabilities.