Lean Production Manager

The Warn group believes that every team member plays a significant contribution role in our success. We enable our customers with the tools they need to work and play outdoors. This position description is designed to outline the primary duties of the role, qualifications, and job scope. Just as we do not want our customers to be limited in the outdoor space, we do not want to limit our employees nor the organization to just the work that is identified. It is our expectation that each team member will serve their customers wherever, whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

Position Summary:

Working independently and collaboratively with others, this position plays an integral role in executing our mission, philosophy, and commitment to providing high quality products and exceptional customer service to our internal and external customers. In addition to maintaining a high level of trust, integrity and ethical standards, all employees are also expected to promote a culture of safety by following all safety procedures, protocols and guidelines while working in a manner that minimizes the risk of damage to property and injury to the employee and others.

The Warn Group is looking for an experienced Lean Production Manager at our Lancaster, SC facility. Under direct supervision of the Site Leader, the Lean Production Manager will play a crucial role in helping the organization implement Lean principles and practices to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall operational performance. The job description associated with this role:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides leadership and direction to production team members in support of team safety, quality, production and problem-solving issues while ensuring that customer expectations are met. Accountability for production team performance resides with the Lean Production Manager and s/he must accomplish team objectives through team leadership and development. Provides necessary resources to enable non-exempt team members to effectively meet customer requirements through production and production support equipment and processes. Reviews and manages production schedules to maximize production objectives, maintain quality and attain output requirements. Determines staffing needs and participates in employment, training, team member motivation, counseling and discipline of team members supervised. In accordance with WARN's Affirmative Action

Plan, hires and develops team members who will provide high levels of performance. Manages team in a manner that supports a positive work environment for all team members. Accountable for developing and monitoring processes and practices necessary for legal and ethical compliance.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business or engineering or equivalent manufacturing experience with a Career Development Plan in place and approved by Manufacturing Manager.

• 5+ years of experience in Lean implementation and process improvement.

• 5+ years of experience in plant management or a similar leadership role in a manufacturing environment.

• Certification in Lean methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma) is often preferred.

• Experience working in diverse industries may be beneficial.

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing concepts/techniques.

• Proven track record of driving operational excellence and achieving production goals.

• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating effectively with various stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement

• Must have career history demonstrating stability in employment and success in assignments.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to implement solutions effectively.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience and skill with methods and techniques related to powder coating application and procedures to meet manufacturing standards and quality adherence.

• Utilize Lean problem-solving tools and methodologies (such as Kaizen events) to address challenges and inefficiencies.

• Foster a problem-solving mindset among team members.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities.

• Develop and implement strategies to optimize processes and workflows.

• Collaborate with various departments to ensure a holistic approach to Lean implementation.

• Work with leadership to align Lean initiatives with overall business strategy.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employee involvement and engagement in Lean practices.

• Monitor and assess the impact of Lean initiatives on organizational performance.

• Effectively communicate the benefits and objectives of Lean to gain buy-in from all stakeholders.

• Tailor solutions to leverage existing strengths in our Lean environment. It cannot be overstated that this facility is not run in a traditional manufacturing sense. Given our size, it would be a normal expectation for a robust MRP system, ERP system, and ample amounts of "data" to make operational change decisions from. Our facility was designed and has grown to the size today intentionally resisting traditional methods. The size and maturity of the company now opens the doors for some of these systems to be introduced but it needs to be done very carefully.

Essential Functions:

• As a Lean Production Manager, you will play a crucial role in driving operational excellence and enhancing the efficiency of our clients' manufacturing operations.

• Lead and manage a team of production floor supervisors for both first and third shift, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.

• Your responsibilities will encompass overseeing all plant activities, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and efficiency.

• You will be responsible for managing all plant operations, including production, maintenance quality assurance, and logistics.

• Lead and facilitate the implementation of Lean methodologies within the organization.

• Identify and analyze processes to eliminate waste and streamline operations.

• Your role will extend to developing strategies to optimize plant performance, ensure safety compliance, and meet production goals.

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance plant efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure product quality.

• Manage and lead cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, promoting a culture of safety within the plant.

• Collaborate with maintenance planners and other stakeholders to ensure maintenance activities are well-planned and executed efficiently.

• Monitor plant performance, analyzing data to identify trends, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

• Experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.

• Use data-driven approaches to analyze current processes and performance metrics.

• Implement measurement systems to track improvements and identify areas for further enhancement.

• Staff the floor correctly.

• Ability to adapt to different organizational cultures and industries.

• Instrumental in driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within an organization.

Additional Areas of Focus:

• Training / Continuous Improvement

• Provide training and cross training.

• Conduct training sessions for employees at all levels on Lean principles and tools.

• Provide ongoing education to ensure a continuous improvement of culture within the organization.

• Emphasis and train safety.

• Machines / Equipment

• Ensure the equipment is correct for each department.

• Production

• Jobs are done in order. Change the color every day.

• Fabrication done per procedure.

• Implement traveler procedure.

• Implement the KanBan procedure.

• Solve production problem locally.

• See it, own it, solve it, do it.

• Quality Control

• Hold point procedure.

• QC station procedure.

• Final QC procedure in Packaging.

• RFA procedure.

• Procedures.

• Train, implement and maintain updated procedures.

• Constant focus on the company growth and how systems and procedures need to improve to match growth.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, write, verbalize and comprehend instructions and correspondence at the highest levels in the English language. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations to customers, clients, and other team members. Advanced conflict resolution skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent customer service skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey Lean principles and work collaboratively with teams.

Mathematical Skills:

Must have mathematical skills equivalent to those required under degree requirements. Higher skills may be required depending on actual job duties. Proficient in data analysis and the use of relevant tools and software.

Physical and Visual Activities:

Standing, Walking, Sitting, Lifting, Carrying, Balancing, Stooping, Reaching, Handling, Feeling, Acuity-Far, Acuity-Near, Depth Perception, and Field of Vision.

Physical Demands:

May require a combination of sitting, standing, and walking. May require lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance.

Environmental/Atmospheric Conditions:

Must be able to work in a shop environment, as well as a usual office environment. May be exposed to loud operating machinery, cold temperatures, chemicals, and vapors.

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software:

Personal computer, fax machine, copy machine, other office equipment, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint. May minimally operate test equipment and/or basic hand tools.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Warn Group is committed to providing FMLA and equal opportunities for all applicants. Warn Industries recruits, hires, trains, and promotes team members in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by law. For more information on FMLA, EEO and EPPA regulations, you can check out our career page located at www.warn.com.

The Warn Group hires U.S. citizens and persons lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. All new employees must complete an INS Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) and be able to provide verification of their status as a Non-Foreign person as defined by International Traffic in Arms Regulations, Section 120.14- 120.16. Warn Industries uses E-Verify for eligibility verification to work in the U.S. For more information on E-verify, you can visit www.e-verify.com