Senior Lean Operations Leader

GE Vernova • Schenectady, NY

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lean Operations Leader is the tactical enabler responsible for bringing the Dream State Factory vision to life across the entire Schenectady site. Reporting to the Site Lean Leader, this role manages the 5S and Moonshine hourly teams to upscale lean capabilities across all manufacturing lines. This is a role for a Visual Leader who leads by example. You will be responsible for helping the site achieve our Target Conditions—the specific, incremental states of improvement that lead us toward our ultimate vision. You will use the Moonshine shop as your primary proof-of-concept, transforming it into the site’s Shiny star (The Engine of Continuous Improvement) of 5S, creativity, and standard work, proving that the Target Condition is not just a goal, but a repeatable reality.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with +5 years of experience in a Lean manufacturing/shop operations (or a high school diploma/GED with at least 10–12 years of experience in Lean manufacturing/shop operations).
• Ability to design and install "no-lift" production lines.
• Proficiency with modular framing (80/20, Creform) and general shop-floor fabrication tools.
• Creativity & Resourcefulness: A Moonshiner mindset—the ability to build a $10,000 solution for $2,500 using creativity instead of capital.
• Uncompromising Standards: A leader who views 5S and Standard Work as a foundational discipline and refuses to accept a good enough Current State when a better Target Condition is possible.
• Change Agent: Ability to influence shop-floor culture by showing, not just telling, what is possible.
• Analytical Mindset.
• Coach/Teacher: Passion for upscaling the capabilities of hourly employees and mentoring them in Lean methodologies.
• Direct Leadership: Proven track record of managing hourly teams and skilled trades in a union environment.
• Lean Mastery: Deep hands-on experience in 5S, Moonshine/Karakuri innovation, VSM, and Single-Piece Flow.
• Methodology: Strong understanding of defining Target Conditions and using Lean Coaching/Kata to drive improvement.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Site Lean Leader to execute the long-term vision for a world-class facility, translating our target conditions into physical shop-floor transformation.
• Ensure the Moonshine shop and all team projects are the absolute benchmark for 5S excellence and standard work, serving as a teaching tool for the rest of the organization.
• Use the 5S and Moonshine teams as a mobile strike force to improve flow, eliminate waste, and implement visual management across all manufacturing areas.
• Direct management of two specialized groups (5S and Moonshine/Skilled Trades). Responsible for their safety, daily standard work, and technical development.
• Drive creative, low-cost solutions for complex problems like no-lift lines, ergonomic improvements, and automated process aids.
• Embody and teach 5S and Lean principles daily.
• Maintain the Moonshine shop as a living laboratory where Target Conditions are always met and displayed.
• Use a coaching mindset to help hourly teams identify the gap between the current state and the Target Condition, fostering a culture of scientific thinking and rapid PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act).
• Lead and participate in high-impact Kaizen events, focusing on laminar flow, Jidoka (automation with a human touch), and waste elimination.
• Oversee the development and assembly of modular systems (Creform, 80/20) and complex working prototypes and to scale.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle times and eliminate crane moves through innovative fixturing and station design.
• Manage the Lean Team’s operational budget, including ordering supplies and tracking productivity gains for all site-wide projects related to moonshine and 5S projects.
• Manage the interview, selection, and performance process for IUE-represented employees, ensuring compliance with local work rules and plant trade guidelines.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource
• access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services
• GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants
• tuition assistance
• adoption assistance
• paid parental leave
• disability benefits
• life insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• permissive time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior