JOIN OUR TEAM AT HUFRIEDYGROUP – INNOVATING EXCELLENCE IN DENTAL INSTRUMENT MANUFACTURING

HuFriedyGroup is a leading manufacturer of dental instruments and infection prevention products. Our 10,000-plus products, hand-crafted by highly skilled artisans, are known for their precision, performance, longevity, reliability, and quality. To help dental professionals be The Best in Practice, HuFriedyGroup provides a unique combination of world class products, value-added services, clinical education, and dental community platforms that result in superior clinician performance and enhanced safety for dental professionals and their patients. Working at HuFriedyGroup is so much more than a job, as every employee has a part in driving and supporting the organization’s inspirational vision to be a global force in advancing dental performance through Best-In-Practice dentistry that improves lives around the world.
We’re looking for a highly experienced and passionate CI Manager to drive operational excellence in our fast-paced organization. You’ll be a hands-on leader at the Gemba, directly engaging with teams and processes to identify and implement improvements, all while communicating a clear, easy to understand story of improvement to leadership. This role demands exceptional leadership and the ability to influence without direct authority across all levels and functions. You’ll expertly navigate between tactical improvements and strategic initiatives, seamlessly transitioning between coaching, training, and hands-on execution of projects, all within the same day. If you’re a results-oriented individual with a proven track record of fostering a culture of continuous improvement, enjoy managing multiple projects, and thrive in a dynamic, ever-changing environment, we encourage you to apply.
The Senior CI Engineer is responsible for driving the implementation of Lean principles, tools, and systems throughout the organization. This hands-on role partners with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, lead Kaizen events, deliver Lean training, and manage end-to-end project execution to ensure sustainable performance improvements.
NOTE: This role is based in Des Plaines, IL, with the facility relocating to Northbrook, IL in March 2026. All applicants must be willing to travel as needed and commit to relocating with the company at that time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Engineering or Related Technical Field)
• 5–7 years of experience in a Continuous Improvement or Lean-focused role.
• Proven application of Lean principles in a manufacturing, distribution, or service environment.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver measurable results.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of advanced Lean methods (Shingijutsu experience a plus).
• Strong business acumen and organizational skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience estimating costs, staffing needs, and project ROI.
• Familiarity with Lean curriculum development and delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead Lean transformation projects with hands-on execution, from planning through implementation and follow-up.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and ensure sustainment of results through effective follow-up and coaching.
• Train teams in Lean methodologies such as 5S, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, and Standard Work.
• Monitor Lean project metrics and maintain documentation including cost/benefit analysis and Kaizen performance.
• Provide input for Capital Expenditure requests and support organizational budget planning.
• Act as a technical expert on Lean tools and principles including A3 problem solving, setup reduction, and process optimization.
• Deliver in-person Lean training courses ranging from foundational principles to advanced problem-solving techniques.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align improvement initiatives with business goals.
• Estimate time, staffing, and cost impacts to inform management decisions.