Grip-Tite Manufacturing is seeking a Lean Manufacturing Manager to lead an enterprise-wide journey toward world-class performance by embedding Toyota Production System (TPS) principles into the "Grip-Tite Way" and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all business functions.
Requirements
- Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience implementing the Toyota Production System in a manufacturing environment, preferably in steel fabrication or welding, with demonstrated success in applying Lean principles to business processes (e.g., A/P, A/R, purchasing, scheduling).
- Deep knowledge and practical application of Lean tools, including 5S, cellular manufacturing, Kanban, Jidoka, TPM, SMED, and value stream mapping, across manufacturing and administrative functions.
- Proven ability to lead Kaizen events, deliver Lean training, and build high-performing, cross-functional teams that embrace continuous improvement.
- Experience in steel fabrication, particularly welding, is highly preferred.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent certification is a plus.
- Familiarity with foundation repair products or guy wire anchors is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Implement TPS methodologies, including 5S, cellular manufacturing, Kanban, Jidoka, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), to optimize manufacturing and business processes such as A/P, A/R, order processing, purchasing, and scheduling.
- Plan, facilitate, and lead Kaizen events to identify and eliminate waste, streamline processes, and engage cross-functional teams in manufacturing and administrative functions.
- Analyze and improve steel fabrication and welding processes on the factory floor, as well as business processes like A/P, A/R, order processing, purchasing, and scheduling, to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and throughput.
- Design and deliver comprehensive Lean training programs to build capability across all departments, ensuring TPS principles are embedded in both operational and administrative functions.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing and business processes to track progress in efficiency, cost reduction, and quality, reporting results to the CEO.
- Partner with manufacturing, finance, sales, procurement, and operations teams to integrate Lean principles into all aspects of the business.
- Drive cultural transformation by promoting servant leadership and empowering employees to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the enterprise.
Other
- Foster a team of Lean thinkers and practitioners by embedding TPS principles into the "Grip-Tite Way," driving sustainable cultural change across the enterprise.
- Coach and mentor production teams, administrative staff, and leadership to adopt Lean principles, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a problem-solving mindset.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and influence stakeholders in manufacturing and administrative roles.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations management, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
- Passionate about operational excellence, results-driven, and committed to fostering a collaborative, Lean-focused culture across the enterprise.
