Lean Manufacturing Manager

Lean Manufacturing Manager

The Lean Manufacturing Manager is responsible for leading and advancing the company's continuous improvement initiatives. This role works closely with production teams to boost throughput and quality while reducing waste. It includes applying, teaching, and promoting Lean tools and methodologies to meet company objectives. The position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop, implement, and document standard operating procedures
• Develop, implement, and document quality standards
• Lead and facilitate Lean meetings across all locations to support company goals
• Conduct or support Lean training sessions as needed
• Work with internal teams to optimize product flow
• Create and maintain process flow diagrams
• Assist in developing and managing key performance indicators for quality and output
• Improve or develop visual management tools (e.g., Gemba boards) to track line-level performance
• Manage projects and ensure deadlines are met
• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement activities
• Identify waste within current systems/processes and develop solutions to streamline operations and track improvements
• Recommend equipment needs to production leadership based on throughput and quality targets
• Manage project budgets, maintaining an initial limit of $2,500 per project and $250 per tool unless additional approval is granted

Skills / Experience / Training Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• Lean certification
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively and work well in a team environment

Working Conditions

• Primary work location is Belfast, Maine
• Typical schedule is approximately 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional work during the second shift (3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.) depending on project needs
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands for grasping and lifting
• Occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Regularly required to lift up to 25 lbs.; occasionally up to 75 lbs.
• Requires close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts
• Occasional exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and vibration
• Regular exposure to high noise levels