Lean Engineer

Mann+Hummel GmbH•Gastonia, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lean Engineer is responsible for improving logistics and material flow processes across warehouse, inbound, internal logistics, and outbound operations to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and support reliable service to production and customers. This role requires someone who can see the bigger picture and understand the overall end goal, while also working effectively through operational details to deliver practical, measurable, and sustainable improvements. The position works closely with distribution and production teams and must be able to communicate cross-functional teams without direct people management responsibility. Success in this role requires strong analytical thinking, sound judgment, and the confidence to drive improvements and stakeholder alignment in a fast-paced operational environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, supply chain, logistics, operations, manufacturing engineering, or related field
Equivalent combinations of education and/or experience will be considered
2-5 years of experience in supply chain, order fulfillment, data analysis, inventory controls and SAP
Experience with ERP and warehouse management systems
Familiarity with safety, quality, operational, and logistics excellence standards

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of lean principles and problem-solving methodologies
Experience with process mapping, root cause analysis, and performance measurement
Strong analytics skills and ability to interpret operational data
Strong communication skills and stakeholder management skills
Ability to lead projects and influence cross-functional teams
Ability to understand the "bigger picture" and end goal while effectively working through operational details
Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain processes to stakeholders
Ability to influence decision making while maintaining conviction and remaining collaborative and solution-oriented
Experience working closely with distribution and production teams.

Responsibilities

Analyze logistics and material flow process to identify waste, inefficiencies, and service risks
Lead and support continuous improvement projects across warehouse, inbound, internal logistics, and outbound operations
Improve material flow from receiving through storage, replenishment, production supply and shipping
Design and optimize logistics concepts such as supermarket systems, Kanban, milk runs, line-side delivery, and first in first out (FIFO)
Develop and maintain standard work, visual management, process management, and operating procedures
Support warehouse layout optimization, slotting logic, storage strategies, and internal transport routes
Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for delivery disruptions, inventory discrepancies, premium freight, picking errors, and stock shortages
Monitor and improve key performance indicators such as on-time delivery, inventory accuracy, dock-to-dock time, picking productivity, inventory runs, and transport efficiency
Support implementation of lean methods and continuous improvement capability within logistics teams
Ensure improvements are practical, measurable, standardized, and sustained over time
Support safety, quality, and compliance requirements in all process improvements activities
Work closely with distribution and production teams to align material flow improvements with operation and business priorities.