Associate Lean Specialist

 

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?  

 

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.  

 

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.  

Job Summary

The fully onsite Associate Lean Specialist supports the execution and sustainment of Lean and continuous improvement initiatives at the site. Working under the direction of the Lean Manager, this role partners with Operations and cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, maintain Lean systems, and drive measurable gains in cost, quality, delivery, and operational efficiency in alignment with facility and corporate objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the execution and sustainment of site Lean and continuous improvement initiatives under the direction of the Lean Manager.

• Serve as primary coordinator for the site 5S program, including conducting regular floor audits, tracking audit scores, and maintaining documentation of results.

• Physically engage on the production floor to evaluate 5S conditions, identify gaps, and partner with area owners to implement corrective actions.

• Track 5S action items to closure, follow up on overdue items, and provide status updates to the Lean Manager and Operations leadership.

• Maintain visual management standards across production areas, including labeling, floor markings, storage locations, and standard work postings.

• Assist in organizing and facilitating Kaizen events and structured problem-solving activities.

• Partner with cross-functional teams (Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance) to apply Lean and Six Sigma tools to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

• Support the deployment and sustainment of the Lean Daily Management System (LDMS), ensuring boards, metrics, and escalation processes are functioning as intended.

• Maintain and track Lean performance metrics, including project status, validated savings, and continuous improvement reporting using standard templates.

• Assist in monitoring project progress and following up on action items to ensure timely and sustainable implementation.

• Participate in DMAIC projects by supporting data collection, analysis, documentation, and implementation of corrective actions.

• Help maintain site Lean documentation, including process maps, standard work, layout documentation, and improvement records.

• Collaborate with site and network Lean resources to share best practices when applicable.

• Identify process barriers and escalate improvement opportunities to the Lean Manager.

• Conform with and abide by all regulations, policies, work procedures, instructions, and safety rules.

• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Education

• HS Diploma/GED required
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Business, Manufacturing, or related discipline preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing or Lean experience will be considered.

Work Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Experience participating in continuous improvement initiatives, 5S programs, or process optimization efforts strongly preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on action items.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of Lean principles and tools such as 5S, visual management, standard work, and basic root cause problem solving.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and i