Lean Manufacturing Supervisor

Position Summary

The Lean Manufacturing Supervisor is responsible for leading lean and production teams while driving continuous improvement initiatives throughout the manufacturing operation. This role combines frontline supervision with Lean Manufacturing leadership to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee engagement.

The Lean Manufacturing Supervisor serves as a hands-on leader who identifies waste, implements process improvements, develops standard work, and fosters a culture of operational excellence. This position partners closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Planning, and Leadership to improve performance and support business growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives throughout the facility.
• Conduct routine Gemba walks to identify waste and improvement opportunities.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain standard work instructions and visual management systems.
• Implement and sustain 5S workplace organization programs.
• Conduct Value Stream Mapping exercises to improve process flow.
• Analyze production data and identify opportunities to improve throughput, efficiency, and quality.
• Reduce waste, scrap, rework, setup times, and non-value-added activities.
• Promote employee involvement and engagement in continuous improvement activities.
• Manage employees day to day production schedule and help troubleshoot day to day triage at the machine.
• Other duties as assigned

Performance Management

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Utilize root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies to resolve operational issues.
• Measure and report project results, savings, and operational improvements.
• Support implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Planning, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to improve operational performance.
• Support new product introductions and process improvements.
• Participate in strategic operational planning and capacity improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing experience will be considered.

Experience

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience.
• 2+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles in a production environment.
• Experience leading continuous improvement projects and Kaizen events.
• Aerospace, precision machining, or contract manufacturing experience preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Lean Manufacturing principles and tools.
• Value Stream Mapping (VSM).
• 5S and Visual Management.
• Standard Work development.
• Root Cause Analysis.
• Kaizen Facilitation.
• KPI development and performance management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with ERP and manufacturing systems.

Preferred Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Lean Practitioner Certification.
• Continuous Improvement Certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to access all areas of the facility.
• Ability to visually inspect manufacturing processes and products.