Manufacturing Operations & Lean Transformation Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Lead the Line. Grow the Team. Elevate the Plant.

From the first production meeting to the last walk-through of the day, you orchestrate the flow of work. You translate the daily production plan into action, align staffing through SAP and capacity models, and hold teams to rigorous safety, quality, and delivery standards. Your gemba walks surface issues, your Tiered SQPDIC conversations clarify priorities, and your Layered Process Audits reinforce what "good" looks like. Along the way, you coach Associates, resolve industrial relations matters with fairness and transparency, and use plant data to make decisions that move the needle.

A day in the life

• Kick off with a review of the daily schedule and resource plan; adjust staffing and work assignments using SAP and plant capacity tools.
• Lead tiered meetings (SQPDIC) and conduct Gemba walks to surface problems and coach problem-solving at the source.
• Track, analyze, and communicate performance across safety, quality, people, delivery, inventory, cost, and productivity; present updates daily, weekly, and monthly.
• Drive continuous improvement and Lean initiatives; facilitate kaizen efforts and remove obstacles to flow and standard work.
• Act as the primary contact for industrial relations and business communications—always fair, consistent, predictable, and transparent.
• Conduct 6S, safety, and plant appearance audits; lead Layered Process Audits to sustain standards.
• Ensure products conform to the Plant’s Quality Management Systems and applicable specifications.
• Champion HSE practices, comply with safety procedures and ISO 14001 EMS, and partner with HSE toward an injury- and illness-free, environmentally compliant site.
• Coach and develop Associates; build decision-making capability and formal development plans for direct reports and the wider organization.
• Prepare and deliver compelling presentations on metrics and project status.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor or management.

What you’ll bring

• BS/BA in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field (required).
• Hands-on Lean manufacturing experience or formal Lean training (required).
• 5+ years leading teams in a manufacturing environment (required); non-union experience preferred.
• Background in the optical fiber cabling sector (preferred).
• Customer- and quality-focused with ease engaging customers and site visitors.
• Strong administrative and time-management skills; demonstrated ability to juggle priorities.
• Calm, professional presence under pressure; collaborative team player.
• Flexibility to support varied schedules, including holiday or weekend emergency coverage.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; strong interpersonal influence.
• Data-driven decision-maker; Intermediate/Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, MS Access, and SAP.
• Self-starter who can push an agenda and act as a change agent.