Lean Manager

Lean Manager

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions. Reporting to the North American Lean Leader, the Central Lean Manager is responsible for leading and supporting Lean transformation across multiple North American manufacturing sites. This role partners directly with plant leadership teams to build Lean capability, strengthen daily management practices, improve operational performance, and create sustainable systems that enable safe, predictable, and profitable growth. The Central Lean Manager serves as a coach, change leader, and strategic business partner who helps sites embed the Hardie Manufacturing Operating System (HMOS) into daily work. This position must be based at a plant location or at the corporate office in Chicago. Travel is expected to range from 25% to 75%, depending on location and business needs.

The Central Lean Manager leads through influence across a matrixed manufacturing environment, focusing on:

• Lean Strategy & Deployment
• Daily Management & Standard Work
• Kaizen & Problem Solving
• Coaching & Capability Building
• Change Management & Sustainment
• Business Results & Performance Management

What You'll Bring:

7+ years of progressive experience in Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, operational excellence, or manufacturing leadership, including at least 5 years leading cross-functional improvement initiatives or transformation efforts in a manufacturing environment. Strong practical application of Lean principles, including daily management, standard work, visual management, 5S, Kaizen, structured problem solving, and strategy deployment. Demonstrated ability to coach, influence, and build capability across all levels of the organization, from frontline operators to senior leadership, within a complex, matrixed environment. Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to drive alignment across functions, sites, and stakeholders. Strong analytical and business acumen, with the ability to connect continuous improvement activities to operational and financial performance. Proven ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and deliver results in dynamic, resource-constrained environments. Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, supply chain, or a related field preferred; advanced degree (e.g., MBA or Master's) is a plus. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent transformation experience preferred. Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations and leading Lean maturity assessments, Daily Management Systems, and leader/operator standard work is desirable.

What You'll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $114,000 to $135,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan. At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees. Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP) Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.