Lean Manager

Company

Electric Thermal Solutions

Department

Global Supply

Location

Ogden (Utah) or Durex (Chicago) with regular travel

Reports to:

European Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Date

July 2026

Who we are

ETS (Electric Thermal Solutions) is uniquely positioned to enable the energy transition and decarbonization journey of our customers. Delivering heating and temperature solutions under four strong brands – Chromalox, Vulcanic, Durex Industries and Thermocoax worldwide.

Our expertise and innovative technologies enable us to deliver efficient, reliable, and sustainable electric thermal solutions that optimize processes, increase productivity, and ensure the highest levels of safety and quality. Spirax Group is a FTSE100 and FTSE4Good multi-national industrial engineering Group with expertise in the control and management of steam, electric thermal solutions, peristaltic pumping and associated fluid technologies.

Our Purpose, supported by our inclusive culture and Values, unites us, guides our decisions, and inspires us everywhere that we operate. We support our colleagues to make their difference for each other as well as customers, communities, suppliers, our planet and shareholders by creating a truly equitable working environment where everyone feels included.

Purpose of the Role

Role Overview

This role is responsible for driving Continuous Improvement (CI) and developing the Operational Excellence (OpEx) framework across the Americas. The position will play a key role in embedding Lean principles, identifying process improvement opportunities, and delivering measurable operational performance gains across manufacturing sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and deployment of the Operational Excellence framework across Americas sites, ensuring alignment with global standards
• Apply strong Lean principles to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve process performance
• Deliver and support GOLD-level Continuous Improvement activities in line with internal CI standards, with ongoing development toward higher levels
• Facilitate and lead CI workshops (e.g., Kaizen, value stream mapping, root cause problem solving) to drive sustainable improvements
• Identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement initiatives across manufacturing and support functions
• Provide hands-on support to sites, including the ability to lead or support changeover (SMED) improvement exercises where required
• Coach and train site teams in Lean tools and CI methodologies to build internal capability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, quality, supply chain) to deliver end-to-end improvements
• Support standardization and best practice sharing across sites
• Own the CI savings delivery for the ETS Americas, track and validate savings against forecasted targets.
• Participate in weekly meetings with the Manufacturing Engineering Manager to review:
• CI Updates: Progress on savings, project status, and new opportunities.
• OPEX Maturity: Site-level progress and training needs.

Skills & Experience

• Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools (e.g., SMED, 5S, VSM, root cause analysis, standard work)
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements in a manufacturing environment
• Experience leading CI workshops and engaging cross-functional teams
• Ability to operate at a GOLD level within CI standards, with a mindset for continuous development
• Hands-on, practical approach with the ability to work both strategically and on the shop floor
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Key Attributes

• Proactive and results-driven with a strong continuous improvement mindset
• Comfortable working across multiple sites and cultures
• Able to balance strategic framework development with hands-on execution
• Strong problem-solving capability with attention to detail
• Strong communication skills
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish, French, German)

Development

• Opportunity to progress to higher levels within the CI framework through training and practical application
• Exposure to global Operational Excellence initiatives and best practices

Additional Notes

• The role requires flexibility to support site-based improvement activities, including hands-on involvement in manufacturing processes where needed
• Travel within the Americas is required (1-2 times/month)

Our Values:

The successful candidate will always consider the safety and wellbeing of others. They will look to build relationships across the business, working collaboratively, sharing expertise and helping others. They will seek excellence in all they do, and operate with integrity and respect whilst always putting the customer first.