Position Summary
The Lean Supervisor is responsible for leading the implementation and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the organization. This position partners with production, engineering, quality, supply chain, and leadership teams to eliminate waste, improve workflow, increase productivity, and support a culture of continuous improvement while maintaining compliance with aerospace quality standards.
The Lean Supervisor serves as a hands-on leader, coach, and facilitator who drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Continuous Improvement
- Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives throughout the facility.
- Identify opportunities to eliminate waste using Lean methodologies.
- Facilitate Kaizen events from planning through implementation and follow-up.
- Develop and maintain value stream maps to identify improvement opportunities.
- Drive improvements in workflow, throughput, and production efficiency.
- Standardize successful processes and ensure long-term sustainability.
Operational Excellence
- Support production departments in achieving Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity (SQDCP) goals.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and communicate results to leadership.
- Analyze production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Reduce setup times utilizing SMED principles.
- Improve machine utilization, workflow, and labor efficiency.
- Support cellular manufacturing and facility layout improvements.
Lean Systems
Lead and maintain initiatives including:
- 5S Workplace Organization
- Visual Management
- Standard Work
- Kanban Systems
- Pull Production
- Continuous Flow
- Root Cause Analysis
- Problem Solving (A3, 8D, PDCA)
- Mistake Proofing (Poka-Yoke)
- TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)
- Waste Reduction Programs
Employee Development
- Train employees on Lean principles and continuous improvement tools.
- Coach supervisors and team leaders on Lean leadership practices.
- Foster employee engagement by encouraging improvement suggestions.
- Mentor cross-functional improvement teams.
Project Management
- Manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously.
- Establish project objectives, timelines, and measurable results.
- Track cost savings and productivity improvements.
- Present project status and results to leadership.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with:
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Production Supervisors
- Quality Assurance
- Maintenance
- Supply Chain
- Human Resources
to ensure Lean initiatives align with business objectives.
Compliance
- Ensure Lean activities support AS9100 quality requirements.
- Promote safe work practices in accordance with OSHA regulations.
- Maintain documentation supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Business, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 3–5 years of Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
- 2+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
- Experience in precision machining, aerospace, or high-mix/low-volume manufacturing strongly preferred.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies.
- Experience facilitating Kaizen events.
- Value Stream Mapping experience.
- Root Cause Analysis techniques.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong project management abilities.
- Effective coaching and leadership skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to influence without direct authority.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
Preferred Certifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (required/preferred)
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred)
- Certified Lean Practitioner
- ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) or equivalent
Pay: $45.00 - $60.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
