Continuous Improvement/Senior Change Agent

Trane Technologies is seeking a Continuous Improvement/Senior Change Agent in Grand Rapids, MI to lead and accelerate Lean transformation across site operations. This role is instrumental in driving a culture of continuous improvement by embedding Lean principles, disciplines, and tools into daily business practices. The ideal candidate will be a strategic change leader who can influence all levels of the organization, develop team capability, and deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.

• ◆Conduct comprehensive value stream analyses to evaluate current operational performance, identify process inefficiencies, and define a future-state vision that improves flow, effectiveness, and overall business results.
• ◆Review existing and proposed procedures, workflows, and controls to identify barriers to performance, uncover improvement opportunities, and create actionable plans that support successful change implementation.
• ◆Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of Lean improvement events, including Kaizen events, Blitz events, Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs), and Just Do It (JDI) activities, with a focus on eliminating waste and improving productivity, quality, delivery, and cost.
• ◆Train, coach, and support Team Leaders, Supervisors, and Management through daily engagement, team meetings, and Gemba walks, reinforcing effective problem-solving behaviors and the application of foundational Lean methodologies.
• ◆Promote and develop understanding of key Lean concepts such as flow, pull/on-demand production, zero defects, standardized work, and visual management to ensure these principles are consistently applied throughout the organization.
• ◆Partner closely with the Sr. Value Stream Coach, Site Leader, Department Managers, and Supervisors to address challenges during implementation and sustainment phases, ensuring improvement initiatives remain aligned with operational and business objectives.
• ◆Serve as a backup to the Sr. Value Stream Coach when needed, providing leadership continuity and ongoing support for site-wide continuous improvement efforts.

• ✓Minimum of 5 years of experience in Lean manufacturing, operational excellence, or continuous improvement, with demonstrated success managing, training, coaching, and developing others in Lean tools, principles, and methodologies.
• ✓Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with employees at all levels, from frontline team members to senior leadership.
• ✓Demonstrated leadership capability with the ability to energize, motivate, and influence teams while serving as a positive and credible change agent.
• ✓Demonstrated success facilitating at least 30 Kaizen or Blitz events using a structured methodology, with a strong track record of delivering measurable improvements in operational and financial performance.
• ✓Associate or Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing engineering or a related field preferred; equivalent education, training, and relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a formal degree.