Inside the Role

Are you passionate about driving meaningful change and empowering teams to solve complex problems? We’re looking for a Continuous Improvement Lead to join our CI team. The Continuous Improvement Lead will create and lead process enhancement initiatives across manufacturing and office environments. They act as change agents, using Lean Tools, Kaizen, and other Continuous Improvement methodologies to drive efficiency, quality, safety, and productivity improvements through training and virtual/on-site support.

The Continuous Improvement department fosters a culture of open-mindedness, adaptability, and collaboration. We believe in continuously evolving for the better, embracing change, and working together to achieve shared goals. Team members are encouraged to bring their unique perspectives, collaborate across initiatives, and maintain an inclusive environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

What You Drive at DTNA 

• Develop & Execute CI Strategies: Design continuous improvement plans aligned with organizational performance goals.

• Training & Coaching: Mentor staff on Lean principles, train teams, and cultivate a CI culture.

• Tools & Systems Management: Establish and maintain systems for continuous improvement—including training documentation, tracking, and dashboards.

• Lean Adoption: Facilitate adoption through training of structured methodologies (Lean tools) organizational wide. 

• Data & Metrics Analysis: Create and Monitor KPI trends to uncover improvement opportunities; recommend actionable changes.

• Lead Cross‑Functional Projects: Facilitate teams to implement process improvements targeting quality, throughput, cost, and customer satisfaction. 

• Root Cause Analysis: Use problem solving techniques like Kaizen’s, A3’s or other structured problem-solving tools to diagnose issues and drive sustainable solutions.

• Project Reporting & Communication: Track progress, present results, and align stakeholders on CI outcomes.

• Safety & Quality Compliance: Ensure all improvements uphold organizational safety and quality standards.

Knowledge You Should Bring 

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience

• Experience in process improvement and project management

• Ability to structure work independently

• Strong data analysis with demonstrated complex problem-solving experience, and value-stream mapping abilities.

• Able to demonstrate excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and coaching skills

• Experience creating and delivering compelling executive-level presentations

• Proficiency in Microsoft Visio, PowerPoint, Excel, Word OneNote and Loop

• Detail-oriented with excellent documentation and follow-through skills.
   

Exceptional Candidates Might Have 

• Experience leading improvement projects (Kaizen, Lean, etc), change initiatives, and guiding teams through transformation.

• Experience developing and delivering training programs

• Familiarity with CI Tools (e.g., Quality Process Mapping, 8-Step Problem Solving, Fishbone, 5Why, A3s, RACI, etc.)

• Any CI certifications (Lean Expert, Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) or Project Management certifications (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma, Lean)

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-

Fort Mill, SC US, Portland, OR US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

• This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.