About this opportunity
ExecuSource lists this Continuous Improvement Engineer opportunity in centerville, Iowa. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Continuous Improvement Engineer – Lean Manufacturing / Kaizen / 3P
Location: Centerville, IA – On-site | Relocation Assistance Available
Pay: $70,000–$100,000+ DOE + 5% Annual Bonus
Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 8:00 AM–5:00 PM with occasional flexibility based on production/project needs
Our client is an established manufacturer specializing in custom products for the commercial food retail industry. Operating in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment, the company is focused on transforming its operations through Lean principles, continuous improvement, and employee development. The facility offers a collaborative, high-tenure culture where this person will have the opportunity to make a visible impact on how the organization operates.
They are looking for you, an experienced Continuous Improvement Engineer, to join their team in a direct-hire role. This position will help drive measurable, sustainable improvements across manufacturing operations while coaching employees and developing Lean capabilities throughout the organization. This is a highly hands-on role for someone who enjoys facilitating change, solving problems, and working directly with cross-functional teams.
What you get to do:
Lead and facilitate hands-on Kaizen events with cross-functional teams
Coach employees and leaders on Lean tools, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement principles
Support new product introductions and production pilots through the 3P process
Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve processes, and drive measurable operational improvements
Lead multiple continuous improvement projects and initiatives simultaneously
Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and other departments
Train and coach teams on Lean fundamentals including 5S, Kaizen, Poka-Yoke, Value Stream Mapping, and other CI tools
Help develop and strengthen the organization's overall Lean/Continuous Improvement culture
Track results, document improvements, and help ensure changes are sustainable
Share best practices and support continuous improvement initiatives across facilities
What you need to succeed:
3+ years of hands-on Continuous Improvement, Lean, or Operational Excellence experience
Proven experience personally leading and facilitating Kaizen events, not simply participating in them
Experience supporting new product introductions, 3P processes, production pilots, or similar manufacturing initiatives
Strong understanding of Lean principles and tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Poka-Yoke, VSM, structured problem solving, and waste reduction
Manufacturing or industrial experience; industry-specific experience is not required
Strong facilitation, coaching, communication, and change-management skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while working independently
Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered
Candidates without a degree should bring approximately 5–7+ years of relevant hands-on experience
Strong Microsoft Office skills; experience with Excel, Power BI, or similar tracking/reporting tools is a plus
What’s in it for you:
Competitive base salary of $70K–$100K+ depending on experience
5% annual bonus opportunity
Relocation assistance available – lump-sum packages are customized based on the move and may range up to approximately $20K
Relocation payments are grossed up, allowing you to receive the intended relocation amount without absorbing the associated tax burden
Access to a dedicated relocation consultant for moving resources, planning, and service referrals
Potential sign-on bonus and additional compensation flexibility for highly qualified candidates
Direct-hire opportunity with an established manufacturing organization
Opportunity to play a major role in transforming a manufacturing operation and strengthening its Lean culture
Collaborative, non-union facility with strong employee tenure and experienced leadership
Minimal travel – typically around once per month to a nearby sister facility
On-site role in Centerville, IA, with the option to live in surrounding areas such as Ottumwa and commute
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Worksite address
centerville, IA, 52544, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.