Lean Specialist

Foundation Risk Partners, one of the fastest growing insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the US, is adding a Lean Specialist to their team in Fort Myers, Florida. 

Job Summary:

We are seeking a high potential talent with experience in continuous improvement and transformational project management, preferably rooted in lean methodology. The candidate will have 5–10 years of experience to lead process improvement initiatives focused on eliminating waste, increasing efficiency, and driving operational excellence. Experience in the Property & Casualty (P&C) and benefits insurance brokerage industry is highly desirable.

The top talent we are looking for, if successful in this role, can grow and develop further in the company. This role is strategically important and will report to the COO. Also, it will be part of Partners Group (the private equity owner) talent development program: Private Market Operator Development (PMOD). PMOD is a coordinated effort across Partners Group's direct equity and infrastructure investments to develop the next generation of senior business operators. A full description of the program can be found here: PG PMOD program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute process improvement projects using Lean methodologies to identify and eliminate waste, streamline operations, and improve overall business performance.
• Facilitate Kaizen events to drive rapid improvements by engaging cross-functional teams in problem-solving and brainstorming sessions.
• Develop and implement Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to analyze and improve end-to-end business processes.
• Create and execute Transactional Process Improvements (TPI) to address specific operational inefficiencies and enhance business outcomes.
• Analyze business processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop data-driven recommendations to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with operational executives and key stakeholders to identify pain points, prioritize improvement opportunities, and create actionable roadmaps.
• Communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, from frontline staff to senior executives, to ensure alignment and successful implementation of process changes.
• Train and mentor team members on Lean tools and techniques to build internal capability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and training sessions to promote a culture of operational excellence.
• Track and monitor benefit realization from process improvement initiatives, ensuring that expected outcomes are achieved and sustained over time.
• Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and monitor the success of process improvements.
• Apply statistical analysis and data modeling to uncover trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure that process changes align with company goals and compliance requirements.
• Act as a change agent by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Lean Black Belt certification, nice to have.
• 5–10 years of experience in process improvement, operational excellence, or business transformation roles.
• Proven experience in eliminating waste and driving efficiency through Lean methodologies.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events and implementing outcomes to improve business processes.
• Strong experience in Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Targeted Process Improvements (TPI) to optimize business performance.
• Proven ability to work effectively with operational executives and cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts and influence decision-making at all organizational levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle complex data sets and translate insights into action.
• Experience in the P&C and benefits insurance brokerage industry is highly preferred.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in process mapping tools (e.g., Visio, Minitab) and data analysis platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a matrixed organization.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements in the insurance industry.
• Experience with automation and technology-driven process improvements.
• Bias for action.
• Willingness and ability to work in ambiguity.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Courageous EQ.