Job SummaryThe Lean Manager is responsible for leading lean transformation for the site and will be a strategic business partner to site leadership. The manager will be accountable for and overseeing the implementation of sustainable improvements and will be responsible for measuring and reporting results to ensure change initiatives deliver expected business results. The Lean Manager will drive successful implementation of improvement projects across the sites enabling growth and drive profitability. This position requires the handling of formal and informal Lean Manufacturing training and coaching on a day-to-day basis. The Lean Manager in this position is responsible for driving sustainable improvements in quality, delivery/lead time, and operational efficiencies that are tied to leadership goals. This role also includes presenting a professional appearance in line with the following job responsibilities as well as presenting a professional attitude.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Lead a group or team of employees in the achievement of organizational goals. Guide, coach, direct, and develop direct reports.
- Drives targeted, sustainable improvement by leveraging consulting skills and change management processes
- Create strategic plans to eliminate waste within the business unit by utilizing lean processes, metrics, cost savings, best demonstrated practices and enterprise resource management. Works with all departments to support utilization of and training in these techniques and programs.
- Guides all lean system initiatives at the site and works with Site leadership and regional peers on Lean implementation using Lean Systems as the principal tool.
- Ensure that workplace process improvements are visible, that savings are tracked, validated and posted.
- Assist in the training and guidance for champions, team leaders and members to develop and implement Lean action plans, and in the transfer of technology and lean initiatives to other West plants.
- Sets up and/or participates in continuous improvement teams related to establishing a process or process improvement.
- Ensures successful kaizen events by installing and ensuring commitment to the kaizen process which includes 1) planning of kaizen with a dynamic funnel process, 2) kaizen execution, and 3) sustainment of kaizen
- Serve as a regional Subject Matter Expert (SME) on various Lean/Process Improvement activities
- Serve as a member of the site leadership team and participate in the decision-making process.
- Performs other duties as assigned based on business needs.
- Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, instruction, and all safety rules.
Education- Bachelor's Degree BS in Business, Engineering, or equivalent required
Work Experience- Minimum 8 years required
- 5 years minimum experience in lean manufacturing. Prior experience implementing and/or being part of developing and maintaining a Lean Manufacturing production environment, implementing and/or part of developing and maintaining an ISO certified manufacturing facility strongly preferred preferred
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in leading process improvement projects in manufacturing environment preferred
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Proficient in Lean, including Kaizen (continuous improvement design and facilitation)
- Excellent communication skills; comfortable in front of all levels of the organization, as well as external customers.
- Strong leadership, negotiation and conflict management skills.
- Experience using process improvement tools.
- Capable of working independently under ambiguous and/or changing conditions.
- Demonstrated ability to function independently in a high-impact position, with deadline and resource constraints.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate across disciplines and integrate all aspects of business as they impact development projects, including negotiation of scope, roles and responsibilities, specifications, timelines, and resources up, across, and down in the organization.
License and Certifications- Manufacturing\Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred
Travel Requirements10%: Up to 26 business days per year
Physical RequirementsSedentary-Exerting up to 10lbs/4kgs of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
Additional Requirements- Proven ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
- Ability to stand on concrete floors for long durations
- Ability to clearly communicate and understand spoken communication
- Must also be able to maintain confidentiality and resolve conflicts.
- Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment.
- Specific vision abilities may be needed by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
