Lean Program Manager

Freudenberg Group • Bristol, NH

5d

About The Position

The Lean Program Manager leads Lean transformation and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and overall operational performance. The role owns improvement projects from opportunity identification through implementation and sustainment, and partners with cross-functional teams to address operational challenges and drive change without direct authority.

The position also strengthens Lean practices and operational discipline, develops continuous improvement capabilities through coaching and training, and provides hands-on exposure to plant performance, business priorities, cross-functional decision-making, and strategic initiatives in preparation for potential broader operations leadership opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing experience.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, Lean, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Engineering, or a related discipline, with demonstrated measurable results.
• Ability to lead complex projects from problem identification through implementation, measurement, and long-term sustainment.
• Hands-on knowledge of Lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving methods, including Kaizen, value stream mapping, standard work, 5S, root-cause analysis, visual management, and Six Sigma/DMAIC.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and influencing skills, including the ability to engage production teams, technical functions, and business leaders and drive change without direct authority.
• Strong analytical and business acumen, including the ability to use operational and financial data to prioritize opportunities, quantify impact, and communicate results.
• Demonstrated learning agility, leadership potential, and ambition to grow beyond Lean/Continuous Improvement into broader manufacturing and operations leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean transformation initiatives across manufacturing operations to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and overall operational performance.
• Plan and facilitate Kaizen events, value stream improvements, and structured problem-solving activities to deliver measurable, sustainable results.
• Own high-impact improvement projects from opportunity identification through implementation, defining objectives, timelines, KPIs, financial impact, and sustainment plans.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other functions to solve complex operational challenges and influence change without direct authority.
• Strengthen operational discipline through daily management, standard work, visual management, 5S, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement systems.
• Build Lean capability by coaching leaders and employees, delivering training, and creating accountability and ownership for continuous improvement.
• Develop toward future operations leadership opportunities through hands-on exposure to plant performance, cross-functional decision-making, business priorities, and strategic operational initiatives.

What This Job Offers

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