Lean Manager - American Augers
About The Position
American Augers, a division of The Toro Company located in West Salem, Ohio, is seeking a Lean Manager. This role is responsible for executing the implementation of consistent Lean business practices to drive increased growth, operational excellence, and empowered employees. The Lean Manager will participate in the development, execution, and maintenance of transformation plans, providing coaching and training on Lean principles, concepts, and tools. They will lead kaizen events, facilitate knowledge sharing, and help identify future Lean-minded personnel. Additionally, the Lean Manager will partner with the broader Toro Company (TTC) Lean Enterprise Team to evolve the TTC Lean Enterprise system, share knowledge and best practices, and assist other manufacturing sites in increasing Lean competencies.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree – BA, BS in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business or related field.
- 3–5+ years of experience in Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement within a manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience leading or supporting Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Working knowledge of core Lean tools: Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, Standard Work / 5S / Visual Management.
- Proven ability to drive change in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to train, coach, and engage teams at all levels.
- Ability to work independently, make decisions, and take ownership of initiatives.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving mindset.
- Advanced Excel / data analysis skills.
Nice To Haves
- Lean / Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
- Value Stream Transformation Experience
- Experience in complex assembly or large equipment manufacturing
- SAP/ERP/QuikView systems experience
Responsibilities
- Promote, guide, and lead transformation teams in the implementation of the TTC Lean Enterprise system, utilizing tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Cell Design, Continuous Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, Change over, TPM, and Root Cause Analysis.
- Collaborate with the Operations leadership team to develop annual plans supporting continuous improvement, aiming to drive improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, cash, employee engagement, and growth, while identifying future improvement opportunities.
- Drive Lean operating principles and establish location-specific principles, communication, knowledge sharing, and reporting strategies to ensure visibility into continuous improvement efforts.
- Support the Lean Enterprise system maturity self-assessment process and coordinate gap closure planning with the corporate Lean enterprise team.
- Provide training, coaching, and mentoring on Lean principles, concepts, behaviors, and tools to foster a culture of continuous improvement at all organizational levels.
- Facilitate kaizen teams/events, track progress, and follow up to ensure sustained gains.
- Train and coach others at the location to become Lean practitioners and team facilitators.
- Communicate regularly to site leadership teams on overall Lean Enterprise initiatives, continuous improvement projects, kaizen status, and assessment of customer needs.
- Participate as a member of the Corporate Lean Enterprise Team to evolve the Lean Enterprise system, share best practices, report progress, and support other Lean Managers.
- Stay current with technologies and Lean concepts through continuing education and benchmarking.
- Create and maintain an environment that promotes safety for people and processes.
- Interface with location team members daily.
- Assess efficiencies of labor, set up, processes, etc., to identify and communicate cost reduction opportunities.
- Support quality improvement efforts related to work processes and procedures.
- Utilize SAP, QlikView, and supporting system skills for efficient operations.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Affordable and top tier medical/dental/vision plan
- 401k
- Dress for your day (casual environment)
- Mental health resources
- Financial health resources
- 20 hours of paid time to volunteer in the community
- Tuition reimbursement
- Opportunities to move into new areas of interest
- Promotion opportunities
- Eligibility to participate in an incentive program based on individual and organizational performance
- Access to pay early with the dailypay app
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
