Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs in Illinois
Continuous Improvement Manager jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in manufacturing, healthcare systems, and logistics, covering everything from lean coordinator roles through senior operations and process excellence leadership. Chicago, Rockford, and the Quad Cities are the primary hiring centers, where established employers like Abbott Laboratories, Caterpillar, and Baxter International maintain continuous improvement functions across production, supply chain, and quality. The most in-demand specialties in Illinois are lean manufacturing, Six Sigma deployment, and value stream mapping tied to regulated industries. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Summary
The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for the design, leadership, training, coaching and execution of lean improvements across Enercon and Generac. The CI Manager will lead and manage the deployment of Generac Lean CI principles, methodologies, tools and metrics utilizing Enercon Production System. Delivers hands-on coaching and problem solving to associates in lean methodology and tools to eliminate waste in all functions. Overall responsibility for coordinating and leading team members cross-functionally and with multiple facilities to meet or exceed company business objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Support production operations in development and execution of lean continuous improvement plans and kaizens. Facilitate lean CI kaizens to improve site metrics and deliver strategy deployment goals.
Train, develop, motivate, monitor and lead a team of facility lean professionals with an emphasis on championing the goals, objectives and implementation plans relative to the lean assessment needs and strategic direction
Develop, deploy and train standard Generac CI tools, methodologies, standards, practices and processes.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
- 5 years of lean continuous improvement implementation experience in a manufacturing environment
Line operations experience working in a production or supply chain environment: Production supervision, materials,
sourcing, distribution, logistics, planning, quality, or service
- Experience working with international companies and in matrix organizations
- Experience in demand flow principles and plan for every part (PFEP) methodology
- Demonstrated understanding of financial measurements and goals in the lean enterprise
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Strong project leadership experience with a diversity of team skills
- Ability to set the agenda (based on business needs and priorities) and bring others with you
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior management, teams and individuals across a variety of settings
- Demonstrated problem-solving ability, including the ability to identify creative and effective solutions and the ability
to ask the right questions and help frame logical conclusions.
- Proven experience in collaborating with multiple sites and functions to drive common solutions
- Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills with the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities
· Sound business acumen operating in high mix, low volume and high volume, low mix production environments · Demonstrated personal flexibility in approach and ideas · Strong interpersonal communication skills
About Enercon
Enercon Engineering is a leader in the power generation industry, serving diverse markets such as utility companies, municipalities, defense solutions, and renewable energy. We foster an environment built on growth and collaboration, where your expertise and contributions are truly valued.
At Enercon, we cultivate a positive team and family spirit in a casual, supportive atmosphere. As part of our commitment to a healthy work/life balance, we offer a generous PTO plan that grows with your years of service. Our excellent benefits package includes health and dental insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a compensation plan that reflects your experience.
With 50 years of success, Enercon stands on a foundation of TEAM, Excellence, and Commitment. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic company that recognizes your value, apply today—we're excited to welcome you aboard!
See All 31 Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs in Illinois
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Find JobsContinuous Improvement Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Continuous Improvement Manager Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- Agriculture & Farming
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in continuous improvement manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, operations management, or a related technical field
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification recognized by IASSC or ASQ
- Proven experience leading kaizen events and value stream mapping projects in manufacturing or healthcare
- Familiarity with Illinois-based regulated industries such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or food processing
- Proficiency with statistical process control tools and continuous improvement software platforms
- Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority
Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a continuous improvement manager in Illinois?
Most continuous improvement managers in Illinois enter through an industrial engineering, operations, or business degree followed by hands-on experience in manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for this role. Earning a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt through ASQ or IASSC is the credential that consistently separates candidates at hiring. Many Illinois employers expect candidates to have led at least one major process improvement project before moving into a manager title.
How much do continuous improvement managers make in Illinois?
Continuous improvement managers in Illinois earn a median of about $100,540 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $73,780 for the lowest 10% to over $155,650 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire continuous improvement managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring continuous improvement managers in Illinois right now include Eaton, Glanbia Nutritionals, and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's deep manufacturing base and concentration of large healthcare and logistics headquarters means openings appear across a wide range of industries throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most continuous improvement manager jobs?
Chicago, Aurora, and Oak Brook have the most continuous improvement manager openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its density of corporate headquarters, medical device companies, and distribution centers, while Rockford and the Quad Cities draw consistent demand from their long-established manufacturing corridors anchored by companies in aerospace, agriculture equipment, and industrial components.
Are there remote continuous improvement manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're limited. Continuous improvement manager work is largely hands-on, requiring presence on a plant floor, hospital unit, or warehouse to observe processes, lead kaizen events, and coach frontline teams. About 67% of continuous improvement manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026. The portions most likely to allow remote work are reporting, data analysis, and project coordination phases rather than the implementation or training components.
How can I get hired as a continuous improvement manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving from a quality technician, industrial engineer, or production supervisor role into a junior or associate continuous improvement position. Large Illinois manufacturers such as those in the Chicagoland and Rockford corridors regularly hire process improvement analysts or lean coordinators as developmental roles. Earning a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt while still in an adjacent position significantly strengthens a candidate's profile, and community colleges across Illinois offer affordable certification prep tied to the ASQ exam.
Where can I find and apply to continuous improvement manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to continuous improvement manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 31 Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs in Illinois
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