SPS - Lean Manager

SKF • Sumter, SC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow! SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030. We’re guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet. We’re a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment. Learn about SKF at www.skf.com. At SKF, we recognize the SKF Production System (SPS) as the foundation for achieving world-class operations—through the eyes of our customers. SPS equips our organization with proven tools and methodologies to drive a Lean transformation. By prioritizing customer value, eliminating waste, reducing variation, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we ensure that every individual plays an active role in our journey. As the SKF Production System -Lean Manager , also recognized as the SPS Leader, you play a pivotal role in driving continuous improvement and Lean throughout the factory and organization. Your dedication to successfully implementing SPS empowers positive change. Collaborating closely with the Factory Manager and plant leadership team, you champion the implementation of SPS fundamentals and Lean methodologies at the Gemba, generating advancements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost. Your impactful leadership fuels progress and fosters an environment of excellence. The position will have 1 direct reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5–7 years of experience in manufacturing operations with strong Lean and continuous improvement focus, including leadership of people and management of CI programs.
• Proven track record of leading Lean transformations and delivering measurable results; deep knowledge of SPS principles and Lean tools (Daily Management, 5S, Kaizen, VSM, SMED, Defined Work).
• Strong leadership and communication skills with ability to influence without authority, collaborate across functions, and interface at all organizational levels.
• Strategic mindset to align SPS initiatives with business objectives; high adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments.
• Excellent planning, organizational, facilitation, and presentation skills; ability to manage shifting priorities and multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Technical expertise: Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt) preferred; knowledge of ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001; proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Capital project management experience is a plus.
• Willingness to travel regionally or internationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Drive SPS Maturity & Strategic Alignment
• Lead the factory through successive stages of the SKF Production System (SPS) Maturity Assessment by developing and executing deployment plans informed by comprehensive gap analyses.
• Support factory leadership in building and maintaining the Master Plan to achieve customer and business objectives, ensuring alignment between corporate Lean strategies and local operations.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
• Identify, prioritize, and lead improvement projects to reduce waste, improve flow, and enhance productivity across the end-to-end value chain.
• Drive measurable improvements in OEE, productivity, and other key performance metrics through structured problem-solving, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen events, and root cause analysis.
• Lean & Stability Tools Deployment
• Implement and sustain Lean principles and stability tools, including 5S, Standardized Work, Resetting, and Lean material flow.
• Ensure sustainability through audits, coaching, and tiered-level Daily Management systems.
• Digitization & Process Approach
• Lead digitization initiatives related to Lean manufacturing processes and drive the adoption of the SKF Process Approach across all business processes using Business Excellence (BE) principles.
• Six Sigma & Business Excellence Leadership
• Execute defined Six Sigma projects to deliver sustainable improvements in operational performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Coach and mentor Six Sigma practitioners (Black Belts, Green Belts, White Belts) and support factory BE Facilitators in deploying SKF BE culture.
• Training, Competence Development & Knowledge Sharing
• Develop training materials, conduct workshops, and facilitate learning sessions for all organizational levels.
• Build internal SPS capability by mentoring team members, certifying Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and promoting best practice sharing across SKF.
• Encourage a learning organization culture and lead competence development initiatives.
• TPM & Reliability Leadership
• Provide leadership in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles and machine reliability to ensure stable and efficient operations.
• Performance Measurement & Reporting
• Help teams establish KPIs to monitor processes and trigger corrective actions.
• Report progress and impact of SPS initiatives to site leadership and global teams.

Benefits

• Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.
• Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options available, depending on role.
• Diversity in the Workplace.? At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation.
• Best in Class Benefits . SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment. Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more!
• Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.
• Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution: 100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.

What This Job Offers

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