Lean Strategist

Ford • Dearborn, MI

14h • $112,680 - $212,760 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?
As part of our Manufacturing team, you’ll help build the world-class, state-of-the-art smart vehicles we're known for. In our plants around the world, we’re constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. You'll get the satisfaction of making great products people use and love.
In this role…
As a Lean Strategist, you will be a key architect of Ford’s continuous improvement culture. You will be responsible for designing and implementing strategic frameworks that drive efficiency, quality, and safety across our manufacturing footprint. This role goes beyond simple tactical application; you will be expected to mentor cross-functional teams, integrate lean principles into new product launches, and evolve the Ford Production System (FPS) to meet the challenges of the future.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 8 or more years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment, with a proven track record of leading large-scale lean transformations.
• Technical Expertise: Deep mastery of Lean tools, specifically: Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Spaghetti Diagramming. Yamazumi (Line Balancing) and Standardized Work. 5S and Visual Factory Management. A3 Problem Solving and Drill-down Trees.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to influence at all levels, from shop-floor operators to executive leadership.
• Travel: up to 50% to other Ford locations.

Responsibilities

• Ford Production System (FPS) Stewardship: Serve as the subject matter expert on FPS, ensuring all lean activities align with corporate standards while driving the evolution of the system to improve throughput and reduce waste.
• Model Area Development: Lead the creation and sustainment of "Model Areas" to serve as the gold standard for operational excellence, providing a blueprint for scaling improvements across the entire facility.
• Value Stream Mapping (VSM): Facilitate end-to-end VSM sessions to identify "Current State" bottlenecks and design "Future State" maps that optimize material and information flow.
• Kaizen Leadership: Organize and lead high-impact Kaizen events, empowering operators and staff to generate and implement ideas (aiming for the high levels of operator engagement seen in our Lean Academies).
• Launch Readiness: Partner with GME and PTME to ensure "Lean from the Start." Integrate lean manufacturing principles into the early stages of vehicle programs to ensure seamless, waste-free launches.
• 5S & Visual Management: Standardize and audit 5S practices to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient work environment where abnormalities are immediately visible.
• Cross-Functional Mentorship: Coach participants from diverse backgrounds (Finance, HR, Engineering, and Operations) on lean tools, including Yamazumi charts, Spaghetti diagrams, and 5-Why root cause analysis.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time

What This Job Offers

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