Lean Manager (M/F)

Job Openings –Lean Manager (M/F)

CDI
Department: Production
Start date: As soon as possible

Job Title: Lean Manager (M/F)

Location:Ogden or Chicago (USA)

Contract :

Reports to: European Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Service:

Production

Company presentation

ETS (Electric Thermal Solutions) is uniquely positioned to support our customers’ energy transition and decarbonization efforts. We provide heating and temperature solutions worldwide under four strong brands—Chromalox, Vulcanic, Durex Industries, and Thermocoax.

Our expertise and innovative technologies enable us to deliver efficient, reliable, and sustainable electric thermal solutions that optimize processes, increase productivity, and ensure the highest levels of safety and quality. Spirax Group is a FTSE 100 and FTSE4Good multinational industrial engineering group with expertise in the control and management of steam, electric thermal solutions, peristaltic pumping, and associated fluid technologies.

Our Purpose, supported by our inclusive culture and Values, unites us, guides our decisions, and inspires us wherever we operate. We empower our colleagues to make a difference for one another, as well as for our customers, communities, suppliers, our planet, and shareholders, by creating a truly equitable work environment where everyone feels included.

Missions

Role Overview

This role is responsible for driving Continuous Improvement (CI) and developing the Operational Excellence (OpEx) framework across the Americas. The position will play a key role in embedding Lean principles, identifying opportunities for process improvement, and delivering measurable gains in operational performance across manufacturing sites.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of the Operational Excellence framework across sites in the Americas, ensuring alignment with global standards
Apply strong Lean principles to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve process performance
Deliver and support GOLD-level continuous improvement activities in accordance with internal CI standards, with a focus on ongoing development toward higher levels
Facilitate and lead continuous improvement (CI) workshops (e.g., Kaizen, value stream mapping, root cause problem solving) to drive sustainable improvements
- Identify, prioritize, and implement process improvement initiatives across manufacturing and support functions
- Provide hands-on support to sites, including the ability to lead or assist with changeover (SMED) improvement exercises as needed
- Coach and train on-site teams in Lean tools and continuous improvement methodologies to build internal capabilities
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, quality, supply chain) to deliver end-to-end improvements
- Support standardization and the sharing of best practices across sites
- Be responsible for delivering CI savings for ETS Americas, and track and validate savings against forecasted targets.
- Participate in weekly meetings with the Manufacturing Engineering Manager to review:
  - CI Updates: Progress on cost savings, project status, and new opportunities.
  - OPEX Maturity: Site-Level Progress and Training Needs.

Profile required

Training

Skills & Experience

Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools (e.g., SMED, 5S, VSM, root cause analysis, standard work)
Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements in a manufacturing environment
Experience leading CI workshops and engaging cross-functional teams
Ability to perform at a GOLD level according to CI standards, with a focus on continuous improvement
A hands-on, practical approach, with the ability to work both strategically and on the shop floor
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Key Attributes

Proactive and results-driven, with a strong focus on continuous improvement
Comfortable working across multiple locations and cultures
Able to balance the development of strategic frameworks with hands-on execution
Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail
Strong communication skills
Bilingual candidates preferred (Spanish, French, German)

Development

Opportunity to advance to higher levels within the CI framework through training and hands-on experience
Exposure to global Operational Excellence initiatives and best practices

Additional Notes

The role requires flexibility to support on-site improvement activities, including hands-on involvement in manufacturing processes as needed
Travel within the Americas is required (1–2 times per month)

Experience

Experience leading CI workshops and engaging cross-functional teams

Technical skills

Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools (e.g., SMED, 5S, VSM, root cause analysis, standard work)
Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements in a manufacturing environment

Key Attributes

Bilingual candidates preferred (Spanish, French, German)

Personal qualities

Proactive and results-driven, with a strong focus on continuous improvement
Comfortable working across multiple locations and cultures
Able to balance the development of strategic frameworks with hands-on execution
Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail
Strong communication skills

VULCANIC advantages

When you join Vulcanic, you'll benefit from :

An outdoor/indoor lunch area,
A company savings plan (profit-sharing, incentive schemes with 100% company matching)
A mutual insurance and provident scheme
A transport bonus and a sustainable mobility bonus
Advantages with the Social and Economic Committee