Lean Supervisor

Position Summary

The Lean Supervisor is responsible for leading the implementation and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the organization. This position partners with production, engineering, quality, supply chain, and leadership teams to eliminate waste, improve workflow, increase productivity, and support a culture of continuous improvement while maintaining compliance with aerospace quality standards.

The Lean Supervisor serves as a hands-on leader, coach, and facilitator who drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives by applying Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate waste, improve workflow, increase throughput, and enhance overall production efficiency.
• Plan, facilitate, and implement Kaizen events while developing and maintaining value stream maps to identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement opportunities.
• Standardize and sustain successful process improvements through documented best practices, ensuring long-term operational excellence and continuous performance gains.
  
  

Operational Excellence

• Drive operational excellence by supporting production teams in achieving Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity (SQDCP) objectives while monitoring, analyzing, and communicating KPI performance to leadership.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance machine utilization, workflow, labor efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance.
• Lead process optimization efforts by reducing setup times using SMED principles and supporting cellular manufacturing initiatives and facility layout improvements to maximize operational efficiency.
  
  

Lean Systems

Lead And Maintain Initiatives Including

• 5S Workplace Organization
• Visual Management
• Standard Work
• Kanban Systems
• Pull Production
• Continuous Flow
• Root Cause Analysis
• Problem Solving (A3, 8D, PDCA)
• Mistake Proofing (Poka-Yoke)
• TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)
• Waste Reduction Programs
  
  

Compliance

• Ensure Lean activities support AS9100 quality requirements.
• Promote safe work practices in accordance with OSHA regulations.
• Maintain documentation supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3-5 years of Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Experience in precision machining, aerospace, or high-mix/low-volume manufacturing strongly preferred.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events.
• Value Stream Mapping experience.
• Root Cause Analysis techniques.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management abilities.
• Effective coaching and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence without direct authority.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
  
  

Preferred Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (required/preferred)
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred)
• Certified Lean Practitioner
• ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) or equivalent