Continuous Improvement Lead

About the role

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Lead to facilitate the advancement of Lean practices at our Anoka, MN manufacturing facility. You will partner with operations teams to improve how work is completed on the production floor.

Responsibilities

• Lead Kaizen events within a single manufacturing facility, partnering closely with operations teams and applying Lean methodologies to identify waste, improve flow, and implement sustainable process improvements from initial scoping through implementation and sustainment.
• Support and lead improvement efforts that deliver measurable results such as cost reduction, cycle time improvement, and throughput gains, and communicate impact to site leadership.
• Spend time at the gemba observing processes at the cell level, identifying inefficiencies in material and information flow, and working hands-on with teams to implement improvements.
• Develop and reinforce standard work, visual management, and daily management practices to sustain improvements and drive accountability in operations.
• Train, coach, and support operators, supervisors, and cross-functional partners on Lean principles and tools to build capability and ownership across the site.
• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to detect waste and implement process improvements that support safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Lead structured problem-solving efforts to identify root causes and implement effective, sustainable solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2+ years of experience leading Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or production environment, with direct facilitation responsibility using Lean methodologies.
• Practical application of Lean tools such as Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Standard Work, material and information flow, takt time analysis, and root cause problem solving.
• Able to quantify and communicate improvement results, including cost savings, productivity gains, or waste reduction.
• Proven ability to coach others, influence across functions, and work effectively with frontline teams and supervisors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in Microsoft products including Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.
• Self-directed, structured, and adaptable with a strong sense of accountability.

Qualifications

• Ability to apply Lean methodologies to improve processes and drive business outcomes.
• Experience with Lean tools and techniques such as Kaizen, 5S, VSM, Standard Work, and problem-solving.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with various departments and teams.
• Ability to analyze data and present findings to stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Lean principles and their application in a manufacturing setting.

Skills

• Lean methodologies and tools (Kaizen, 5S, VSM, Standard Work, etc.)
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis
• Facilitation and training
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency (Excel, PowerPoint, Visio)
• Communication and collaboration

Benefits

Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and includes nVent CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, ILSCO, SCHROFF and TRACHTE. Learn more at www.nvent.com.

At nVent, we value our people and their health and well-being. We provide a broad benefits package with meaningful programs for eligible full-time employees that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans along with flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability benefits, critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance.
• A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan — both include a company match.
• Other supplemental benefits may include tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program, and/or legal & identity theft protection.