Manager, LEAN Continuous Improvement

Position Summary

The Manager, LEAN Continuous Improvement will lead the development, implementation, and sustainment of LEAN methodologies across the Valmet Flow Control facilities in the US. This role partners with cross‑functional teams to drive continuous improvement, improve operational efficiency, eliminate waste, and build a culture of problem‑solving at all levels. The LEAN Manager will also collaborate with global LEAN experts across sites and business lines to align strategy, share best practices, and participate in enterprise-wide LEAN and CI initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute LEAN roadmap, including 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, VSM, and other core methodologies.
• Lead plant level full‑cycle 5S implementation, Conduct 5S audits, and Create and maintain 5S sustainment systems.
• Collaborate with global LEAN experts to ensure consistency across business lines and to share improvements, tools, and standard processes.
• Facilitate kaizen events and improvement workshops aligned with business priorities.
• Train and coach team leaders, supervisors, and frontline employees to embed 5S into daily operations.
• Facilitate kaizen events and CI workshops that drive measurable operational improvements.
• Coach employees at all levels on LEAN tools and structured problem-solving (A3, PDCA, DMAIC, root cause analysis).
• Standardize improved processes and ensure sustainability through documentation, training, and periodic audits.
• Analyze operational performance data to identify trends, waste, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Drive cultural adoption of LEAN thinking through communication, leadership coaching, and visual management.
• Communicate CI results, progress, and opportunities to site leadership and global LEAN counterparts.
• Lead cross‑functional teams in scoping, planning, executing, and sustaining improvement projects. Track project progress, risks, resources, and results. Ensure alignment with site and global strategic goals.
  
  

Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years of demonstrated, hands‑on LEAN experience, with a strong track record of practical 5S implementation in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Proven ability to lead kaizen events and deliver measurable process improvements.
• Strong data analytics skills, including ability to extract, interpret, visualize, and present operational data.
• Experience with dashboards and analytics tools (Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with global and cross‑functional teams.
  
  

We Offer

We offer a dynamic work environment that values innovation and suits development-minded people who enjoy working in a fast-paced and energetic setting with opportunities for continual growth. We're looking for team-oriented people with a willingness to learn and contribute to our customers’ success. This includes a generous wage starting between $96k-128k/annual* and benefits package that offers a 401k with company match as well as company funded pension.

• Salary range is intended to provide a general guideline. Actual compensation will be determined based on market data, internal equity, and candidate credentials.”
  
  

Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon a background check and pre-employment physical and drug screen.

Additional Information

Delivering competitive technologies and services is what we do best. At Valmet, we continue to push forward and develop ourselves, concentrating on technology, services, sustainability, local presence, and our people. To be included in the recruiting process, please apply directly with us online.

Where everything works together

Valmet is where the best talent from a wide variety of backgrounds comes together. With 19,000 professionals around the world, we are the leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. Our commitment to moving our customer's performance forward requires creativity, technological innovations, service know-how - and above all, teamwork. Join the team! www.valmet.com/careersna

Valmet is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and applicants for employment will not be discriminated on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

Please note that Valmet will never ask for personal financial information during the interview process. If you feel you have been a victim of an online job posting scam, please notify the Federal Trade Commission

Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon a background check and pre-employment physical and drug screen.