Lean Construction Manager

Opitz Bürotechnik; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Opitz Bürotechnik is hiring a Lean Construction Manager based in Birmingham, Alabama. This role requires field experience in Lean principles, guiding project teams through efficient planning and execution of complex construction tasks. The successful candidate will support trade partners and enhance team capabilities while ensuring a culture of continuous improvement. Preferred qualifications include a degree in Construction Management or equivalent field experience, and at least 5 years in applied construction with Lean involvement. Competitive candidates will have strong facilitation skills and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Experience with complex construction projects (e.g., data centers, healthcare, commercial work).
• 5+ years of applied construction experience related to Lean practices.
• Ability to influence without authority and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support consistent use of Lean practices and facilitate planning sessions.
• Coach project team on Lean principles through real-time problem-solving.
• Maintain presence in the field to observe workflow and identify improvement opportunities.

Skills

Lean principles application

Coaching and facilitation skills

Construction operations knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field

Formal Lean training or certification

Tools

Last Planner System

Job description

The Lean Construction Manager serves as an embedded partner to the project team on a highimpact, complex construction project, bringing proven field experience in applying Lean principles to planning, coordination, and day‑to‑day execution.

This role is focused on coaching, facilitation, and capability building, helping project leaders, superintendents, and trade partners apply Lean thinking to planning, coordination, and problem‑solving activities.

The Lean Construction Manager operates directly within the project environment. The intent is to strengthen flow, collaboration, and reliability of work through hands‑on support, while reinforcing a consistent Lean mindset aligned with company standards and values. The Lean Construction Manager’s influence is built on trust, credibility, and collaboration. Success is measured by improved engagement, consistency of Lean practices, and the team’s growing ownership of Lean thinking.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the project team in the consistent use of Lean practices, including pull planning, make‑ready planning, constraint identification, and commitment management.
• Facilitate planning sessions and retrospectives in partnership with project leadership.
• Coach team members and trade partners on Lean principles through observation, dialogue, and real‑time problem‑solving.
• Maintain a regular presence in the field to observe workflow, coordination, and handoffs.
• Assist superintendents and foremen in identifying opportunities to improve reliability, reduce rework, and stabilize production.
• Support trade partner onboarding by reinforcing expectations related to planning, collaboration, and respect for commitments.
• Reinforce a learning‑focused environment where teams reflect on outcomes and identify improvements.
• Help surface and develop emerging Lean champions within the project team and trade partners.
• Share lessons learned and effective practices with the Director of Lean Construction to support broader organizational learning.
• Coordinate closely with project leadership to ensure Lean support aligns with project priorities and constraints.
• Act as a connector between the project team and the broader Lean network, including Lean POCs and regional representatives.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully, reinforcing Lean as a support function rather than a compliance activity.

Preferred Education And Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred but not required. Equivalent field experience applying Lean principles in construction environments will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Background in construction operations, with experience on complex projects such as data centers, healthcare, or large‑scale commercial work, 5 or more years of applied construction experience with demonstrated Lean involvement preferred.
• Formal Lean training or certification (such as AGC Lean Construction Education Program or similar) is a plus.
• Proven, hands‑on experience applying Lean practices in the field supporting and leading Lean Construction principles, including facilitating planning sessions and supporting teams through real project constraints.
• Working knowledge of the Last Planner System and collaborative planning methods.
• Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence without authority. Valid Driver's License required.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed mainly in an indoor and outdoor setting with exposure to all types of weather and temperature conditions, and travel from site to site.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

EOE - Vets/Disabilities