Lean Manufacturing Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Lean Manufacturing Manager to lead continuous improvement initiatives at our manufacturing facility located in Earlington, KY. The ideal candidate will be a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, enhancing productivity, and fostering a culture of lean thinking.

This position plays a critical role in identifying inefficiencies, implementing lean methodologies, and training cross-functional teams to achieve sustainable improvements in quality, cost, and delivery.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field required. Advanced degree (MBA or Master’s in Engineering/Operations) is a plus

- Master Black Belt certification in Six Sigma or equivalent qualifications is required.

- Minimum of 5–10 years of progressive experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement roles

QUALIFICATIONS:

- In-depth knowledge of Lean tools and Six Sigma methodologies.

- Demonstrate success in implementing plant-wide CI strategies and achieving measurable results.

- Proficient in data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP, Excel) and ERP systems.

- Competent in problem solving, team building, planning and decision making

- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills

- Strong leadership, project management, and interpersonal skills.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; capable of influencing at all organizational levels.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Strategically lead the development and execution of Lean Manufacturing strategies across all production areas.

- Develop a robust continuous improvement strategy in partnership with the management team and key business stakeholders

- Manage, coach, mentor and facilitate teams and individuals to identify and implement improvement opportunities.

- Partner with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to improve workflows and throughput.

- Use data-driven analysis (DMAIC, root cause analysis, SPC, etc.) to solve complex problems.

- Prepare the annual lean budget and forecast and all capital expenditure proposals as well as ensuring compliance with legal standards. Manage budget from identification to completion of projects

- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and ensure accountability.

- Promote a continuous improvement mindset and lead training sessions to develop internal lean capabilities.

- Provide regular updates and presentations to senior leadership on CI initiatives and outcomes.

- Support the integration of lean practices during product launches and facility expansions

- Excellent benefits include medical with a standard PPO plan with deductibles as low as $1,500 and wellness credit up to $750; free concierge primary care; voluntary 401k plan currently matching up to 12%; voluntary dental and vision plans; free telemedicine services; basic life, long and short-term disability coverage.

EOE M/F/D/V