Lean Manager (Des Moines)

About the Role

As a change agent, the incumbent implements strategies that strengthen a lean enterprise culture aligned with regional and company priorities. Daily responsibilities include guiding teams in the Last Planner® System, using the Launch Matrix and Lean Roadmap to ensure successful project launches, and establishing visual management, 5S, and other lean tools on site. The role also delivers workshops, training, and coaching to promote local improvement and innovation, collaborates with the Regional Lean Manager to share best practices, and leads improvement projects directed by leadership. • Drive lean enterprise culture by implementing strategies that align with regional and corporate goals. • Coach project teams on daily use of the Last Planner® System and integrate the Launch Matrix for successful launches. • Establish visual management, 5S, and other lean tools on assigned construction sites. • Design and deliver workshops, training sessions, and coaching to foster continuous improvement and innovation. • Collaborate with the Regional Lean Manager to share best practices and standardize work procedures. • Lead improvement and innovation projects as directed by business unit or regional leadership. • Conduct regular project reviews to identify challenges and set measurable improvement objectives. • Provide regional and national lean training on topics such as problem solving, leadership, and the Last Planner® System. • Travel extensively to support multiple project sites and lean initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸last planner
• ▸visual management
• ▸5s
• ▸lean training
• ▸improvement projects
• ▸project reviews

What You Bring

The position is based in West Des Moines, IA, classified as a salaried exempt experienced construction role within the Des Moines Main division. It reports to the General Manager, Operations Manager, or Regional Lean Manager, with a dotted‑line to the Regional Lean Manager, and may also report to a Project Executive or Project Manager when assigned to a specific project. The role leads and supports Business Unit or Project Level initiatives aimed at enhancing customer value, fostering a learning environment, driving continuous improvement, and maximizing team collaboration. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of relevant experience, or an equivalent blend of education and training. Candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and the ability to interpret contracts, drawings, specifications, and schedules. Leadership, interpersonal, and coaching abilities are essential, and preferred qualifications include experience with the Last Planner® System, general lean knowledge, BIM coordination, and completion of Advancing Lean training. The role involves extensive travel and occasional physical tasks such as climbing stairs, ladders, and handling up to 25 lb loads. Employees must be able to see clearly at close range, maintain peripheral vision, and adjust focus, while performing duties in construction environments that may include noise, moving equipment, weather exposure, and electrical hazards. Reasonable accommodations are provided for individuals with disabilities. • Require a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and at least five years of related experience, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. • Preference for experience with Last Planner® System, BIM coordination, and completion of Advancing Lean training.

Requirements

• ▸bachelor's
• ▸5+ years
• ▸microsoft office
• ▸last planner
• ▸bim coordination
• ▸lean training

Work Environment

Office Full-Time