Lean Manufacturing Specialist | Menomonie, WI

Andersen Windows • Menomonie, WI

283d • $77,255 - $119,745

About The Position

At Andersen, we pride ourselves on our core values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Partnership and being a leader in Corporate Citizenship. Headquartered in Bayport, Minn., Andersen Corporation is the largest window and door manufacturer in North America. We're focused on bringing more light into people's lives by helping them create healthier, happier spaces to build memories and do what they love. This applies to our team, too. In 2024, we were recognized as one of Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces for Women and Newsweek's Most Trustworthy Companies in America. Earning the 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence Award, Andersen is also committed to environmental health and sustainability. No matter your role, you'll have the opportunity to make a difference at Andersen. In this role, the primary focus is on output and efficiency metrics. Each day, you'll drive shop floor lean improvements by eliminating waste, enhancing flow, and implementing Built-In Quality and Just-In-Time solutions. You'll conduct daily point Kaizen activities and frequently organize 'low complexity' Kaizen events at workstations. Engaging with Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees is crucial, as you'll work together to identify sources of waste and address them systematically. You'll provide lean tools and training to shop floor associates and leaders, ensuring they are equipped to contribute to continuous improvement. Metrics will be your guide, helping you prioritize focus areas and demonstrate the impact of lean improvement actions. Cultivating a lean culture among Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees is essential, and you'll reinforce Lean Management Tools and Disciplines, such as the A3 process, MDI, and Tiered Management. Your leadership will be visible, high-energy, and inspiring, driving the deployment of lean culture and process improvements on the shop floor. Through your efforts, you'll foster an environment of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 2+ years of professional experience.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience as a Lean operations practitioner, industrial engineer, or manufacturing engineer in a lean operations environment.
• Ability to perform in a tactful, professional, and flexible manner with sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and opinions.
• Strong communication skills with all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinking and change management capabilities.
• Ability to drive results through persuasiveness and influencing skills; organize self and others with timely follow-through and execution.
• Facilitation and project management skills.
• Ability to build highly effective relationships, develop people, and create high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed Value Stream Maps, Process Models, and Workstation design models to govern the operational performance of production lines or other assigned areas.
• Prioritize and elevate visibility of 'next in' improvement opportunities for assigned production lines or areas.
• Establish a playbook for point Kaizen and larger Kaizen event priorities to support short-term and medium-term output and efficiency targets.
• Lead daily Kaizen events to realize impactful short- and medium-term improvement opportunities.
• Coach and mentor Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees during daily Kaizen events to develop their lean tool and skill proficiency.
• Serve as a primary coach and engaged working partner with Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees to cultivate a Lean culture of continuous improvement.
• Actively deploy and leverage Lean Process tools and disciplines, including Waste Reduction, Flow Improvements, Built-In Quality, Just-In-Time, Tiered Management, A3 Process, Toyota Kata, MDI, and similar tools.
• Provide visible, high-energy, and inspiring leadership in deploying lean process improvements across assigned production areas, focusing on Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees.
• Deliver on-the-job coaching and occasional formal training to Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees.
• Lead through influence, typically managing 1 direct report, including other Lean employees or others as assigned.

Benefits

• 401 (k) Plan, Employer Fixed Contributions & Company Matching
• Profit Sharing
• Medical, dental, prescription, vision coverage
• Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare expenses
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays
• Paid Maternity Leave & Paid Parental Leave
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Career Growth Planning & Nationwide Career Opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Wood Product Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree