Lean Manager

Role Summary

This is an Onsite position based at our location in Gastonia, NC.

• No Visa sponsorship is available for this position 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the plant management in setting up the roadmap for the plant in line with the global/regional strategy and sets up the LEAN roadmap in line with the plant strategy
• Is accountable for the respect of deadlines and ensures the achievement of defined targets set in the LEAN roadmap
• Leads the target plant layout and value stream design process aiming at optimal space usage, improving material flow and reducing throughput time (focus: TOP product families in the location)
• Develops LEAN experts and a general LEAN mindset within the plant
• Steers training and development needs in the plant linked to MANN+HUMMEL Production system (MHPS)
• Acts as methodological supervisor of all improvement activities aiming at the reduction of waste
• Coordinates and facilitates workshops (Kaizen / Hoshin / VSM / 5S / SMED / Layout)
• Promotes the autonomy by training the actors to workshops' conduction
• In source of proposals onto concepts aiming at improving production and logistics efficiency
• Reports to the plant manager and regional management on the progress (indicators / measurables)
• Ensures the implementation of the MHPS in the plant
• Acts as Cross Assessor for the MHPS assessment in other plants
• Ensures the implementation of the Group best practices related to LEAN
• Work with managers in the plant to implement 5S on the plant / shop floor
• Development of a Pull-Flow - Delivery in Kanban, Milk-Run, Supermarkets, Batch Building Box, and Heijunka where applicable
• VSA / VSM (eVSM) and VSD to define target states on a certain value stream in the plant
• TPM
• SMED
  • Review / Optimize SMED on a regular basis following lates MHPS guidance (training, principles, best practices)
  • Ensure SMED tracking is done by Production following the SMED corner / dashboard / templates provided by the LEAN Manager as per in MHPS defined
• Support implementation of production planning and production control tools
• Support implementation of logistics, quality, employee empowerment (e.g. Idea Management) practices
• Ensures coherence of the local methodology with the Group expectations
• Secures the capitalization of the know-how
• In close cooperation with the MMS team, takes part in the writing of procedures linked to the process "Continuous Improvement" and ensures their local implementation
  • Coaches Managers in the field on the right implementation of Group standards
  • Secures LEAN reporting to the Group

REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a similar field

Experience:

• 5 years' minimum experience within Continuous Improvement / LEAN Management within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Previous team leadership experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Project Management experience

Required Skills:

• Expert knowledge of LEAN tools (5S, KANBAN, SMED...)
• Excellent English written / verbal / presentation skills
• Skilled with Microsoft Office tools (especially Vizio and Excel)
• Hands-on knowledge/experience with SAP
• Available to travel up to 20% (primarily local / domestic U.S.)

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Familiar with required production processes (e.g. pleating, plastic injection molding, plastic welding, assembly)
• Six Sigma Training. Six Sigma Blackbelt strongly preferred 
• Previous experience as a LEAN Manager within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Working experience in a similar function within the automotive industry
• German and/or Spanish language skills are a plus