Director, Lean
- Northbrook, IL, United States
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Job details
- Education
- Bachelor’s degree
- Experience
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in Lean, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or a related field.
- Posting language
- English
- Posted
Original job description
Position Summary We are seeking a results-driven Director of Lean to lead Continuous Improvement and operational excellence initiatives across the organization. This role is responsible for developing and implementing Lean strategies, driving business transformation, and building a culture of continuous improvement. The Director of Lean will partner with senior leadership to identify improvement opportunities, improve operational performance, and deliver measurable results in cost, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement Lean and Continuous Improvement strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Partner with senior leaders to drive business transformation and cultural change across departments and facilities.
- Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities based on business needs and performance data.
- Lead initiatives to improve cost, quality, productivity, cycle time, and operational efficiency.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and scorecards to measure results.
- Coach and train leaders and employees on Lean principles, problem-solving, and Continuous Improvement practices.
- Implement processes and structures to sustain Lean practices across the organization.
- Use data analysis and benchmarking to identify opportunities and drive performance improvements.
- Provide expertise and guidance on Lean methodologies and strategic improvement projects.
- Manage project budgets, schedules, and financial results.
- Lead, develop, and coach Continuous Improvement team members, as applicable.
- Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous learning.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field required.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in Lean, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience leading business transformation and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Proven ability to influence, coach, and collaborate with senior executives.
- Strong knowledge of Lean principles, process improvement, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, and project management skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and deliver measurable business results.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
- Lean Six Sigma certification.
- Experience leading multi-site manufacturing or operational improvement initiatives.
Work Environment This position works in both office and manufacturing environments and may require domestic travel between company facilities.
Compensation
Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications, including an annual bonus opportunity. Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.