Supply Chain Lean Process Engineering Manager

Ford • Dearborn, MI

4h

About The Position

Lead the identification of business process waste and pain points across supply chain processes (e.g., demand and supply planning, commodity planning, sourcing, contract management, supplier performance management, logistics, and delivery throughput). Conduct focused process diagnostics using value stream mapping, process mapping, and root cause analysis to uncover bottlenecks, rework, and non-value-added activities. Translate findings into a prioritized portfolio of lean improvement initiatives with clear problem statements, charters, milestones, and success criteria. Design and implement lean process solutions leveraging tools such as Kaizen events, Kanban systems, standard work, visual management, and error-proofing. Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Shingo principles to improve flow, reduce variation, and enhance the reliability and transparency of business processes. Partner closely with supply chain operations, program planning, program control, purchasing, logistics, and Supply Chain Systems teams to co-create and pilot new processes, digital workflows, and enabling tools. Build and maintain supply chain business process library, establish business continuity plans for critical processes. Collaborate with data, analytics, and Supply Chain Systems teams to identify opportunities for automation, process mining, and better use of existing tools to eliminate waste. Coach and mentor stakeholders on lean thinking and structured problem-solving to embed continuous improvement into day-to-day operations. Established and active employee resource groups

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Systems Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, operations, or process engineering, with a clear track record of leading process improvement or lean transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated expertise in business process mapping, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, A3 problem solving).
• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain business processes (planning, commodity strategy, sourcing, contract management, supplier performance management, logistics).
• Experience driving cross-functional projects and delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, delivery, or productivity.
• Proficiency with analytical and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI/Tableau or similar) to analyze process performance and communicate insights.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and drive change across all levels of the organization.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree (e.g., MBA, MS in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or Operations).
• Formal training and certifications in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt), or the Shingo Model.
• Hands-on experience leading Kaizen events, implementing Kanban systems, and deploying daily management/visual management systems.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement in complex supply chain or automotive environments.
• Proven ability to coach and develop others in lean thinking and structured problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification of business process waste and pain points across supply chain processes
• Conduct focused process diagnostics using value stream mapping, process mapping, and root cause analysis
• Translate findings into a prioritized portfolio of lean improvement initiatives
• Design and implement lean process solutions leveraging tools such as Kaizen events, Kanban systems, standard work, visual management, and error-proofing
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Shingo principles to improve flow, reduce variation, and enhance the reliability and transparency of business processes
• Partner closely with supply chain operations, program planning, program control, purchasing, logistics, and Supply Chain Systems teams to co-create and pilot new processes, digital workflows, and enabling tools
• Build and maintain supply chain business process library, establish business continuity plans for critical processes
• Collaborate with data, analytics, and Supply Chain Systems teams to identify opportunities for automation, process mining, and better use of existing tools to eliminate waste
• Coach and mentor stakeholders on lean thinking and structured problem-solving to embed continuous improvement into day-to-day operations

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees