Head of Kaizen Promotion Office at Adi Developments – Burlington, Illinois

Head of Kaizen Promotion Office

Adi Development Group is a vertically integrated real estate investment management company with divisions spanning investment management, development, construction management, and forming operations. With over 4000 units and $3Billion of built value under development throughout the GTHA, we are on an insurgent mission to re-invent the customer experience and to deliver homes faster, better and more cost effectively to our customers. We champion ownership and encourage all of our team members to think and act like owners. Adi is committed to not only develop buildings, but to developing the leaders of tomorrow. We have built a management system that connects strategy deployment to daily execution, and we've been refining it for years. We are now hiring a Head of KPO to lead the next phase of that work as the organization scales.The Role

• You'll lead Adi's Kaizen Promotion Office the function responsible for driving improvement in quality, waste reduction, and lead time across the enterprise. The role is equal parts methodology, leadership, and organizational development.

Strategy Deployment Support

• Partner with executive leadership to connect strategic objectives to operational execution. Facilitate alignment across divisions, coach leaders through A3 development and refinement, strengthen review cycles, and drive accountability from strategy through daily management.

Value Stream and Process Development

• Stand up and improve value streams and processes end-to-end. This includes process mapping, root cause analysis, data collection and interpretation, standardized work development, daily management systems, and metric development. You need command of the full toolkit and judgment about when to apply each element.

Kaizen Discipline and Calendar Ownership

• Develop and enforce kaizen discipline using the shingi model. Own the kaizen calendarpreparation, scoping, sponsorship, execution, and follow-through. You're accountable for event outcomes and for the measurable development of team members who participate. This is a development system, not an event calendar.

KPO Build-Out

• Build the KPO function as ADI scales. Recruit, develop, and lead a team of lean professionals. Design the structure and capability requirements for the function over time.

Capability Development

• Develop problem-solving capability and lean thinking across the organization. Coach at gemba, mentor through A3s, and build the daily disciplines that make improvement sustainable. The goal is an organization that thinks differentlynot just one that uses the tools.

Requirements

• Experience
• 15+ years progressive lean experience with significant time at director level or equivalent
• Track record leading transformation in brownfield, operationally intensive environments

• Experience standing up value streams and processes, developing metrics, building daily management systems

• Demonstrated use of the shingi model with accountability for kaizen outcomes and participant development

• Experience building and leading teams of lean professionals
• Background in construction, manufacturing, or related operationally intensive industries strongly preferred

• Capabilities
• Full command of lean methodology and QC tools with sound judgment on application
• Ability to manage up to executives and influence across organizational boundaries
• Commercial orientation able to connect improvement work to business outcomes and communicate in terms leadership understands
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; able to build trust across levels and navigate complex organizational dynamics

• Strategic perspective on where the function needs to go and how to build it

• Education
• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline required
• MBA with operations or supply chain concentration strongly preferred
• Certifications and Continued Development
• Lean Gold Certification (AME/SME/Shingo alliance) or equivalent enterprise-level lean credential
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt (ASQ or equivalent)
• TWI (Training With in Industry) certification in Job Instruction, Job Relations, or Job Methods
• Direct experience with Toyota Production System, Danaher Business System, or equivalent rigorous operating system
• Japan study tour or gemba training with Toyota-trained sensei considered a strong asset
• Shingo Prize Examiner, AME Excellence Award Assessor, or conference speaking experience valued

Other

• Must be able to work across multiple sites in the Greater Toronto Area

Why This Role

• You'll Make a Huge Impact: Construction is an industry where operational discipline has historically been underdeveloped. Adi has committed to a different approach, and this role is central to scaling that commitment. You'll have direct access to senior leadership, accountability for outcomes that matter, and the opportunity to build a function that shapes how the company operates.

• Competitive Paid Time Off: Team members are provided with comprehensive paid time off inclusive of paid Vacation, Wellness and Sick days annually.
• Competitive Salaries: This role has a competitive base salary range of $125,000 - $145,000 annually, with compensation reflecting the seniority and scope of the role.
• Employee Home Ownership Program: Adians have the opportunity to live in the beautiful communities we create through our Employee Home Ownership Program. Eligible team members will receive a % discount off the total purchase price.
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan: Adi provides all full-time team members and dependents with coverage for dental, prescriptions, vision care, paramedical practitioners, life insurance and more.
• Flexible Health, Lifestyle & Wellness Personal Spending Account: Annual health, lifestyle & wellness spending accounts that can be used for fitness classes, gym memberships, family & pet needs, additional health benefits and more!

Adi Development Group is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of our customers and communities in which we live and serve. Adi Development Group is committed to creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential. We hire based on merit and are committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Adi Development Group will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. If you are selected for an interview and you require accommodation, please inform Human Resources.
$125,000 - $145,000 a year