Lean Project Manager

Purpose:

The Operational Excellence Manager will play a critical leadership role in driving continuous improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities. This position is responsible for developing and implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence strategies that improve safety, quality, productivity, delivery performance, and inventory management.

This role is highly hands on and collaborative, working cross-functionally with operations, engineering, supply chain, quality, and plant leadership teams to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate waste, standardize processes, and build sustainable operational capabilities. The ideal candidate is an analytical thinker with strong leadership skills who can also execute effectively on the plant floor.

A key component of this position includes supporting operational expansion initiatives, including travel to domestic and international facilities—particularly our Leon, Mexico location—to help implement new manufacturing processes, establish new product lines, and support organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead cost and operational excellence projects aimed at improving safety, quality, productivity, and delivery.
- Drive the Lean/Six Sigma culture within the organization by promoting continuous improvement practices.
- Identify and execute waste-reduction initiatives to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
- Lead cross-functional teams using Lean methodologies such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kanban, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
- Train and develop teams to enhance their understanding and application of Lean principles.
- Partner with various departments to support growth, capacity expansion, and optimization strategies.
- Utilize proficiency in continuous improvement frameworks and Lean methodologies/tools like 5S, VSM, and Six Sigma to achieve operational excellence.
- Leverage experience with ERP systems and process mapping to optimize business processes.
- Manage projects and change initiatives with a hands-on approach, ensuring the delivery of measurable results.
- Travel 25-40% to support strategic initiatives and drive Lean/Six Sigma projects across different locations.