Site Lean Leader

Job Description Summary

The Site Lean Leader will be responsible for developing and executing the Lean strategy at the site, driving continuous improvement across the plant, and aligning initiatives with business goals. This role will involve managing value stream mapping, leading Kaizen events, and eliminating waste to enhance productivity, lead time, and customer delivery, all while fostering a culture of Lean excellence and cross-functional collaboration.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and Lead Lean Strategy: Create and implement a Lean strategy that aligns with the site vision, operational priorities, and overall business objectives.
• Drive Plant-Wide Lean Transformation: Lead the Lean implementation across the site, ensuring measurable improvements in lead time, productivity, customer delivery, inventory management, and safety.
• Collaborate on New Product Introductions (NPIs): Support early-stage product design and process development by integrating Lean principles to streamline operations and reduce waste.
• Value Stream Mapping & Waste Reduction: Conduct detailed value stream mapping exercises to identify and eliminate process inefficiencies, using Lean tools and techniques to improve flow and reduce non-value-added activities.
• Variable Cost Productivity (VCP): Work closely with plant leadership to drive VCP initiatives, focusing on cost-saving opportunities while maintaining high levels of quality and efficiency.
• Lead Kaizen Events & Continuous Improvement: Establish and manage a Kaizen calendar, coordinating improvement events that engage teams across all levels to drive impactful, sustainable changes.
• Gemba Walks and Real-Time Problem Solving: Implement and oversee Gemba walk methodology to identify production bottlenecks and flow issues, ensuring timely resolution and continuous operational improvements.
• Monitor & Report on Lean KPIs: Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure Lean progress and performance. Use data-driven insights to adjust strategies and optimize operational outcomes.
• Lean Training & Coaching: Develop and deliver Lean training programs for plant teams, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and empowering leaders at all levels to sustain Lean practices.
• Operational Budget Management: Prepare and manage budgets for Lean initiatives, ensuring the cost-effective execution of process improvement activities.
• Safety & Compliance: Uphold safety and environmental standards within the scope of Lean activities, ensuring the plant operates in a safe, compliant, and efficient manner.
• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Mentor and coach site leadership on Lean Manufacturing principles, driving a culture of continuous improvement and fostering leadership development across teams.

• Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in deploying Lean methodologies, with a proven track record of leading Lean transformations and driving results on the production floor.

• Lean Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Lean tools (e.g., Hoshin, 3P, VSM, Daily Management, etc.) and Six Sigma principles.
• Leadership Skills: Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and driving cultural change, particularly in high-performance manufacturing environments.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to conduct root cause analysis, problem-solve, and identify opportunities for process optimization.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and lead effective training sessions.
• Change Agent: A results-driven leader with the ability to influence and sustain Lean practices across the organization.
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: A passion for driving operational excellence, always looking for new ways to improve processes and deliver value to customers.
• Certifications: Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification or equivalent quality certification is preferred. Formal Lean Certification or equivalent training in Lean methodologies is a plus.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural environment, building relationships across diverse teams and departments.
• Project Management: Experience managing multiple Lean projects simultaneously, with a strong focus on delivering results within budget and on time.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Ability to develop and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and innovation.