Assoc Lean Program Lead

Job Location:  Hershey, PA

 

Summary:

The Associate Lean Program Lead will play a pivotal role in managing a sector of the Hershey Lean Program, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of different plant leadership teams to seamlessly integrate Hershey Lean principles into sites operations. Leveraging an in-depth understanding of lean tools, TPM, Integrated Work Systems, and Digital solutions, the Associate Lean Program Lead will collaborate closely with the Site Operations Excellence Manager (OpEx) and Business Unit Leaders to deliver expected operational efficiencies and cost improvement initiatives. This involves proficiently initiating and operating the Business Unit in accordance with the guiding principles and processes of Hershey Lean.

Key responsibilities encompass overseeing the continual evolution, development, and implementation of new standards, fostering the exchange of best practices among sites, conducting Lean program "health audits" across diverse locations, and providing comprehensive training and coaching to enhance the site team's proficiency across all aspects of the Hershey Lean system. The Associate Program Lead will also play a crucial role in our Digital journey, actively participating as a team member in various digital manufacturing initiatives.

Furthermore, the Associate Lean Program Lead will actively contribute to the formulation of Hershey Lean Pillars and report directly to the Hershey Lean Program Director, ensuring alignment with overarching program objectives and strategic initiatives. This role serves as a critical link in sustaining Hershey Lean excellence and fostering continuous improvement within the organization, making a substantial contribution to the success of the Hershey Lean Program. 

 

 

Responsibilities:

• Advocate and disseminate the principles of Hershey Lean to the site leadership, management, and employee staff, promoting continuous improvement across all operations.

• Develop and oversee the detailed work plan for the launch of assigned pillar(s) and the subsequent full plant roll-out. Collaborate with the OpEx Manager and Plant Manager to formulate the Compelling Business Need (CBN) for the site.

• Take charge of implementing Daily Direction Setting (DDS), Daily Management System (DMS), Compelling Business Need (CBN), and Autonomous Maintenance (AM) tools and processes at designated operations.

• Develop and provide training to the OpEx Manager on Hershey Lean concepts, phases implementations, best practices, and the roll-out process. Conduct follow-up meetings with the Plant Manager, BU Leader, and OpEx Manager to review progress, outline upcoming activities, and address specific Lean-related topics requiring plant leadership input, advice, or decisions.

• Ensure strict adherence to critical program elements for continuous improvement. Collaborate with Global and Site pillar Leads to develop and implement standards, phase progression, and assessment tools aimed at fostering a Zero Loss culture.

• Oversee the activation or assembly of new pillar agendas, standard processes, or guidelines to reinforce the growth and resilience of the Hershey Lean program.

• Facilitate the adoption of digital solutions and tools to enhance the speed and reliability of executing the Hershey Lean Operation System.

• The success of this role will be closely linked to network improvements in OEE, Savings, Hershey Lean maturity level, Customer service level, and operational cost.

 

 

 

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

• Proficient in implementing Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies, encompassing TPM, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma.

• Proven leadership skills, demonstrating strong influence without direct reporting responsibilities.

• Possesses an exceptionally high drive, a sense of urgency, energy level, and strong problem-solving abilities, all of which are crucial for success in this role.

• Strong communication skills, both written (e.g., PowerPoint) and oral.

• Demonstrates the ability to foster a "coaching" mindset, building capability and confidence in teams to effectively apply Hershey Lean system principles.

• Familiarity with OSI/PI and operational data display, as well as digital visualization solutions.

• Exhibits demonstrated experience in the use and implementation of Digital Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

• Adaptable to multiple and changing priorities.

• Proficient in operating seamlessly across all levels of plant organizations.

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% of the time to out-of-town locations.

 

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in engineering or a related discipline. Master’s degree is highly pr