Lean Manager

Role Summary

Lean Manager

MANN+HUMMEL
#LI-Onsite – Goleta, CA

The Lean Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence within the plant by deploying Lean manufacturing principles focused on fulfilling customer demand, eliminating waste, and enabling continuous improvement. This role partners closely with plant leadership to define and implement the Lean roadmap aligned with regional and global operational strategies.

The Lean Manager leads initiatives to improve production flow, optimize plant layouts, enhance material movement, and strengthen overall operational efficiency. This role also develops Lean capabilities within the organization by coaching teams, facilitating improvement workshops, and ensuring alignment with the MANN+HUMMEL Production System (MHPS).

Main Tasks

• Define and implement the plant Lean roadmap aligned with plant, regional, and global strategy.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify and execute operational improvement initiatives.
• Lead value stream design and plant layout optimization to improve material flow, space utilization, and throughput time.
• Drive productivity improvements using Lean methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
• Facilitate improvement workshops including Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and 5S.
• Develop Lean capabilities across the plant by coaching teams and promoting a continuous improvement mindset.
• Support implementation and sustainment of the MANN+HUMMEL Production System (MHPS).
• Promote best practices across production and logistics operations to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Monitor and report progress on operational metrics and improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement Lean improvements and coach managers on Lean tools.

Lean Tools & Methodologies

• 5S shopfloor organization
• Pull flow systems including Kanban and milk-run logistics
• Value Stream Analysis / Value Stream Mapping (VSA / VSM)
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Production planning and control tools
• Employee empowerment and idea management initiatives

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Operations Environments.
• Prior leadership experience in production or logistics environments preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Experience implementing Lean systems across production and logistics operations.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional improvement initiatives and deliver measurable results.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and coach teams on Lean practices.
• Hands-on, shopfloor-oriented approach.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in an automated machine manufacturing environment, including exposure to PLC and HMI systems.

• Experience working in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment preferred.