WESCO International

Lean Director (Lean Operating System)

WESCO International$120K — $150K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Logistics, or Technical field; MBA preferred
  • PMP, Change Management, or Scrum Master certifications are a plus
  • 10 years of extensive LEAN leadership experience in medium to large companies
  • 5 years of experience in managing teams
  • 5 years of experience managing large-scale strategic initiatives
  • Must be a seasoned Lean Expert or Six Sigma Black Belt
  • Strong leadership and communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Experience in facilitating multidisciplinary teams through structured workshops

Responsibilities

  • Lead and direct a team of Lean leaders and practitioners to deploy and evolve the Lean Operating System across the enterprise.
  • Establish strategies and governance for aligning Lean initiatives with business objectives and ensuring measurable results.
  • Partner with executive leadership to identify priorities and execute Lean strategies across various business units.
  • Facilitate executive-level goal deployment and problem-solving to achieve strategic objectives.
  • Lead enterprise-wide Lean transformation initiatives to address complex business challenges.
  • Build organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, and training Lean practitioners and leaders.
  • Utilize data to guide decision-making and ensure Lean initiatives align with enterprise objectives.

Benefits

  • Paid time off
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement savings plans
  • Comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees
  • Focus on teamwork and respect in the workplace
Full Job Description
Job Description

As the Director - Lean, you will lead the Lean Operating System (LOS), driving strategy, capability development, cultural transformation, and measurable business results across the enterprise. Partnering with executive leadership, you will advance goal deployment, daily management, problem-solving, and Lean maturity initiatives aligned to business objectives and sustainable operational outcomes. Through coaching, mentoring, and certification programs, you will build organizational capability and develop leaders capable of owning and expanding Lean practices within their organizations. You will oversee the evolution of the LOS, promote accountability, strengthen executive alignment, and ensure Lean initiatives deliver meaningful business impact. Leading a high-performing Lean team, you will drive enterprise transformation by translating strategy into action, influencing stakeholders, and establishing the communication and operating rhythms needed to sustain change.

Responsibilities:
  • Leads, develops, and provides tactical and strategic direction to a team of Lean leaders and practitioners responsible for deploying, sustaining, governing, and continuously evolving the enterprise Lean Operating System (LOS) to achieve strategic objectives and measurable business results.
  • Functions as the senior Lean leader and enterprise owner of the Lean Operating System, establishing strategy, governance, and execution approaches that align with business objectives, support long-term transformation efforts, and deliver measurable operational and financial outcomes.
  • Partners with executive leadership teams to identify priorities, establish roadmaps, and execute Lean strategies across business units, regions, and functions, leveraging Lean maturity assessments and Shingo principles to drive continuous improvement, capability growth, and leader accountability for results.
  • Facilitates executive-level goal deployment, daily management, and problem-solving processes, aligning organizational priorities, strengthening leadership ownership, and accelerating achievement of strategic objectives.
  • Leads enterprise-wide Lean transformation initiatives and strategic events, deploying appropriate Lean methodologies, resources, and tools to solve complex business challenges, improve performance, and embed sustainable improvements within existing business operations.
  • Builds organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, training, and certification of Lean practitioners and leaders, developing self-sufficient continuous improvement capabilities and ensuring business leaders own and sustain Lean practices within their areas of responsibility.
  • Develops Lean program managers, facilitators, and application specialists through hands-on leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development, enabling the team to influence outcomes while reinforcing accountability within the business.
  • Utilizes customer, operational, and financial data to identify opportunities, guide decision-making, measure progress, and ensure Lean initiatives are directly connected to enterprise objectives and business outcomes.
  • Serves as a trusted advisor to senior executives, providing regular updates, influencing cross-functional stakeholders, fostering alignment across Operations, Commercial, Finance, and other key business functions, and promoting ownership of Lean outcomes at the leadership level.
  • Champions a culture of continuous improvement by promoting innovative thinking, sharing best practices, and driving enterprise adoption through effective Lean communications, storytelling, visibility tools, dashboards, and engagement strategies.
  • Promotes and advances the organization's Lean maturity journey by assessing current-state capabilities, identifying improvement opportunities, and translating maturity findings into actionable year-over-year transformation plans that strengthen organizational capability and business performance.
  • Partners across Operations, Commercial, Finance, HR, IT, and EPMO functions to integrate Lean principles into enterprise programs, operating models, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelors Degree - Engineering, Logistics, Technical required; MBA preferred
  • PMP, Change Management or Scrum Master certifications preferred
  • 10 years experience of extensive LEAN leadership in a medium or large company
  • 5 years experience managing a team
  • 5 years required of managing large-scale strategic initiatives
  • Must be a seasoned Lean Expert or 6 Sigma Black Belt
  • Leadership - ability to formulate and communicate clear vision and sense of direction and mobilize people.
  • Communication - ability to pass messages using different channels (verbal and written)
  • Facilitating - ability to organize and facilitate multidisciplinary teams through structured workshops (strategic session, Kaizens, problem solving sessions)
  • Change management - ability to communicate a need for change, create all necessary conditions for successful change and overcome different forms of resistance
  • Coaching - ability to coach people to develop their skills and abilities to achieve agreed upon objectives
  • Training - ability to identify and formulate training needs and assure training execution and follow up
  • Experience with coordinating and optimizing lean tools (visualization, etc.) applications preferred
  • Ability to travel 20% - 50%

#LI-RA1

This amount is what we reasonably believe we will pay for the position; however, offer amounts may vary based on factors such as geographic location, relevant education, experience, qualifications, skills, shift, or any collective bargaining agreements.

For eligible positions, compensation may include participation in a bonus or sales incentive plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan documents. For certain sales roles, Wesco also offers a commission structure that provides additional compensation based on sales results, as defined by the applicable commission plan.

In addition, Wesco offers a benefits program for eligible employees, which may include paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and retirement savings plans. Additional details about benefits are available here.

About the Team

At Wesco, we build, connect, power and protect the world. As a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, we create a world that you can depend on.

Our Company's greatest asset is our people. Wesco is committed to fostering a workplace where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. We promote a culture that is grounded in teamwork and respect. With a workforce of over 20,000 people worldwide, we embrace the unique perspectives each person brings. Through comprehensive benefits and active community engagement, we create an environment where every team member has the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about Working at Wesco here and apply online today!

Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Wesco is a publicly traded (NYSE: WCC) FORTUNE 500® company.

This posting is for a current, active vacancy intended for immediate hire.

About WESCO International

WESCO International Careers

Join the dynamic team at WESCO International, a leading provider in the electrical distribution industry, and be part of a company known for its substantial commitment to innovation and leadership. At WESCO, we offer a range of job opportunities that allow professionals to thrive in a culture that fosters growth and diversity.

Work You’ll Do

At WESCO International, you will engage in meaningful work that directly impacts our global clientele by delivering top-tier solutions in electrical distribution and supply chain services. Our team is at the forefront of industry expertise and digital innovation, making WESCO an ideal place for those who are driven to excel in a professional setting.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

WESCO is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your career alongside over 18,000 dedicated professionals worldwide. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we empower them through unmatched training, development, and certification support.

Innovative Work Environment

Embrace the opportunity to do innovative work with WESCO International, where your skills in technology, industry expertise, and leadership will be honed to perfection. Our collaborative environment encourages networking and the sharing of ideas across teams, driving the kind of innovative solutions that keep us at the leading edge of the industry.

Career Development and Benefits

Future-proof your career with WESCO International, where the path to advancement is filled with diverse job opportunities. From internships to leadership positions, the potential for professional growth is limitless. Enjoy comprehensive benefits that support both your professional and personal life, as well as diversity training that ensures an inclusive workplace.

Be Part of a Great Team

Join a team that values creativity, curiosity, and solution-driven mindsets. At WESCO, we are committed to building a supportive environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. Harness the power of global scale operations and joint solution development that WESCO offers.

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Whether you’re updating your resume, preparing for an interview, or seeking to gain hands-on experience through an internship, WESCO International provides a platform to enhance your career. Explore various positions that match your skills and interests, and take the first step towards a rewarding career at WESCO.

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Learn more about WESCO International
Size
18,000 employees
Market Cap
$6.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$100.5 million
Founded
1922
5 Year Trend
+20%
Revenue
$12.3 billion
NASDAQ

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