Operational Excellence Lean Specialist

Allegion•Colorado Springs, CO

About The Position

Support the Operational Excellence Manager in implementing Lean transformation and daily management across the value stream. The role gathers and evaluates performance data, assesses current conditions, proposes future-state goals, and helps implement strategies and process changes that support value-stream objectives. It uses value-stream mapping and other Lean methods to improve information, material, and production flow. Act as a change agent by supporting and leading continuous improvement projects and rapid improvement events. Responsibilities include establishing standard work, facilitating problem-solving, coaching employees and line leaders, providing Lean training, supporting Gemba walks, maintaining visual performance tools, and ensuring action plans are completed. The role also supports value-stream analyses, cycle-time studies, line balancing, workplace analysis, work instructions, and visual management systems. Help embed Lean transformation and daily management into the value-stream culture by identifying training needs, communicating initiatives, applying change-management practices, and engaging employees and leaders. Track and evaluate implemented improvements, update performance boards, review procedures and controls, resolve implementation issues with site leadership, and monitor and report key metrics. Support departmental, plant, and corporate EH&S goals and work safely and efficiently.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in a related discipline, such as Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
Minimum of 2 years of experience with manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, logistics facilities, or development teams.
Proven experience with world-class Lean manufacturing, transactional, or functional projects and teams.
Experience with or understanding of PLM, Document Control, and ERP systems.
Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with varied audiences at the site level.
Strong interpersonal and high-performance team-building skills, with the ability to develop collaborative relationships across organizational lines.
Ability to facilitate group activities and discussions using a defined process.
Credibility as an informal leader or positive influencer of change.
Ability to prioritize and handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, changing work environment.
Ability to influence, persuade, convince, and facilitate Lean culture change in an environment with varying levels of acceptance.
Knowledge of personal computer applications, including Excel, Word, Visio, and PowerPoint.
Excellent team facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

Gather data for key performance indicators, evaluate current state, and propose future-state goals and objectives.
Implement tactical strategies and execute short- and long-term objectives that support value-stream goals.
Work with site personnel to identify, address, and eliminate process-related obstacles.
Assist with system and process changes in support of Lean initiatives.
Use value-stream mapping to design effective information, material, and production flows.
Support, participate in, and lead rapid improvement events and projects to improve manufacturing processes.
Own pre- and post-event standard work.
Lead or facilitate continuous improvement projects and events.
Participate in Gemba walks and coach employees on continuous improvement, standard work, flow, takt-time attainment, and problem solving.
Provide training on Lean transformation tools and methodologies.
Help update and maintain visual performance tools, including Mission Control and MDI boards, and follow up on action plans.
Assist teams in implementing and sustaining improvements.
Support value-stream analysis events and conduct cycle-time analyses, time studies, line-balance improvements, and workplace analyses.
Create and implement standard work and work instructions, and teach or coach line leaders to do the same.
Implement and coach the use of cell control boards and other visual management tools.
Lead and assist teams in problem-solving activities and resolve issues following continuous improvement events.
Support the launch of activities that integrate Lean transformation and daily management into the value-stream culture.
Assist in identifying ongoing training needs and support communication of Lean transformation and daily management initiatives to employees.
Use a change-management model and promote engagement in continuous improvement events.
Coach employees and leaders to encourage Lean behaviors, principles, and practices.
Track changes and improvements, evaluate results after implementation, and update Mission Control boards.
Review procedures and controls and assess operational efficiency and effectiveness; work with the Operational Excellence Manager, Site Leader, Department Managers, and Supervisors to resolve implementation or maintenance issues.
Monitor and report key metrics.
Support and meet Departmental, Plant, and Corporate EH&S goals, and work safely and efficiently.
Perform other duties identified by the Value Stream Coach to further the site’s Lean Manufacturing initiative.