Manufacturing Lean Manager

Job Description

The Manufacturing Lean Manager oversees the development of new manufacturing methods, tooling, machine designs, cost estimates, and the resolution of engineering problems associated with the manufacturing and quality control of all Rochester products. 

The role is also responsible for leading Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives throughout the facility, driving operational excellence through waste reduction, process optimization, improved productivity, enhanced quality, and the implementation of best-in-class manufacturing practices. 

In addition, the position provides leadership, direction, coaching, and performance management for a team of Engineers and/or Technicians, ensuring the successful execution of engineering projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and day-to-day manufacturing support activities. 

Key Responsibilities and Outcomes: 

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of 2–4 Engineers and/or Technicians; 
• Design, implement, and document processes for shop floor activities considering best engineering practices, health and safety requirements, environmental requirements, product quality standards, and compliance with both external regulatory bodies and internal requirements.  
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and debug new manufacturing methods and procedures to ensure process effectiveness and system efficiencies.  
• Participate in internal and external audits of company activities and processes.  
• Design specialist jigs, fixtures, and tooling to support production build and testing activities.  
• Work closely with Supply Chain to support sourcing strategies, identify alternative components, and mitigate supply chain constraints.  
• Support the Quality function in the review of non-conforming supplier components and assist in communication and corrective action activities with suppliers.  
• Provide technical support to manufacturing operations, including maintaining process instructions, documentation control, and production equipment for current products.  
• Actively participate in troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and problem resolution activities.  
• Review and recommend changes to engineering drawings, bills of materials, and process documentation to improve manufacturability, quality, and efficiency.  
• Investigate new manufacturing technologies, processes, and equipment and provide cost estimates to support proposals, capital requests, and project targets.  
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities and ensure manufacturing readiness for production launches. 

Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement Leadership: 

• Lead and promote Lean Manufacturing initiatives throughout the Rochester facility to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity (SQDCP) performance.  
• Identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement projects that deliver measurable operational and financial benefits.  
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Gemba Walks, and process improvement workshops.  
• Drive the identification and elimination of manufacturing waste, including defects, overproduction, waiting, transportation, inventory, motion, and overprocessing.  
• Champion the implementation and sustainment of Lean tools and methodologies  
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities utilizing methodologies
• Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify opportunities for improvements in throughput, cycle time, quality, labor efficiency, and cost reduction.  
• Develop, implement, and sustain standard work processes to promote consistency and reduce process variation.  
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams to drive cross-functional improvement initiatives.  
• Train, mentor, and coach employees and supervisors on Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.  
• Establish metrics to monitor Lean initiative performance and communicate progress, achievements, and opportunities to leadership.  
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement by encouraging participation in problem solving and operational excellence activities. 

Qualifications

Essential:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field.  
• Equivalent qualifications may include an Associate Degree in Manufacturing Engineering with 3-5 years of relevant manufacturing experience, or 
• A minimum of 5 years of industrial within an assembly or manufacture environment with significant technical responsibility. 
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent Continuous Improvement certification.  
• Experience leading process improvement projects with measurable results in productivity, quality, delivery, inventory reduction, or cost savings.  
• Previous experience leading or supervising Manufacturing Engineers, Engineering Technicians, or other technical personnel within a manufacturing environment. 
• Strong understanding of Lean tools   

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies in a manufacturing environment.  
• Experience within a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.  
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent Continuous Improvement certification.  
• Good awareness and practical application of Health & Safety practices.  
• Project management experience.  
• Experience supporting automation and advanced manufacturing technologies. 

#HP

Additional Information

Rotork is the market-leading global flow control and instrumentation company, helping our customers manage the flow or liquids, gases and powders across many industries worldwide.

Our purpose is Keeping the World Flowing for Future Generations.

For over sixty years, the world has relied on us to create the things that keep everything moving. From oil and gas to water and shipping, pharmaceuticals and food- these are the flows on which our modern world depends.

Today we're respected and admired for our people, performance and products. Our success flows from our commitment to engineering excellence, and that's what we will always pursue, safely and sustainably.

Rotork is going through an exciting period of change and growth, building on our existing market success. It's a great time to join us and make an impact in shaping the future of our business.