Manager, Lean Management

Role Summary

This is an onsite position based at our Allen Plant in Gastonia, NC. 

Main Tasks

• 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

Your Profile

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, or similar field, or comparable background with 5 years' minimum experience in Continuous Improvement / LEAN Management within a manufacturing or industrial environment

Experience:

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

Required Skills:

• Expert knowledge of LEAN tools (5S, KANBAN, SMED...)
• Fluent in written / verbal English (German is a plus)
• Skilled with Microsoft Office tools (especially Vizio and Excel)
• Available to travel up to 10% (primarily local / domestic)

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Familiar with required production processes (e.g. pleating, plastic injection molding, plastic welding, assembly)
• Previous experience as a LEAN Manager within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Working experience in a similar function within the automotive industry
• Project Management experience

Competencies:

• Leadership: Achievement Orientation, Strategic Drive & Innovation, Team Leadership, Impact & Influence, Interpersonal Understanding, Teamwork & Cooperation, Developing Others
• Hands-on and plant floor / shop floor orientation
• Analytical skills
• Good communication skills
• Able to get commitment to achieve a common goal
• Conflict management - Drive for results
• Operates within a network and a matrix organization