Manufacturing Manager

The Lean Manufacturing Manager lead a comprehensive lean transformation within the operations function. This is a pivotal hands-on leadership role responsible for developing and executing a strategic roadmap to eliminate waste and foster a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing processes for complex electromechanical products. Dramatic improvements to quality, delivery, cost and employee morale are expected.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned lean practitioner with a proven track record of successfully implementing lean methodologies in a complex manufacturing environment.

The manufacturing function’s lean transformation

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and Implement Lean Strategy: Define and champion a comprehensive lean transformation strategy using A3 Thinking that is aligned with the company's overall business objectives. This includes identifying key areas for improvement, setting measurable goals, and establishing a phased implementation plan.
• Lead and Facilitate Lean Initiatives: Drive the adoption and application of lean principles and tools such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen events, Standard Work, Kanban, Visual Management, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other departments to ensure seamless integration of lean principles across the entire value stream.
• Build Lean Capabilities: Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees at all levels on lean methodologies and foster a culture of continuous improvement and front-line problem-solving.
• Establish Performance Metrics: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the progress and impact of lean initiatives, making them visible on dashboards
• Drive Continuous Improvement Culture: Champion a mindset of continuous improvement, empowering employees to identify and implement process enhancements. Establish and maintain a robust problem-solving framework based on A3 Thinking.
• Optimize Production Processes: Using Value Stream Analysis, lead teams to analyze current manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for waste reduction. Lead the development of Action Plans to improve flow, quality, and enhance morale..
• Enhance Quality and Reduce Waste: Implement lean tools and techniques to eliminate all eight forms of process waste, as well as unevenness and overburdening..
• Mentor and Coach Teams: Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to operations leaders and teams on lean principles and methodologies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications -

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering.  Education in the Toyota Production System from an organization or from an employer.
• Possess at least 10 years of progressive experience in operations and manufacturing, with at least 5 years’ experience leading lean transformations in either a:
  • multi-function site
  • multi-site company
  • consulting (sensei) for various companies

• Must be able to lead a lean transformation at all levels, from:
  • shop-floor kaizen to
  • C-Level strategic planning

• Must be skilled with all the core lean manufacturing tools and techniques.
• Must have experience in multiple industries or companies, including manufacturing electromechanical assemblies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required.