Lean & Continuous Improvement Lead – Manufacturing

Dana; Gordonsville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana in Gordonsville, TN seeks an experienced manufacturing leader to drive safety, Lean initiatives, and a DOS-based transformation. You will lead Kaizen projects, manage production improvements, and ensure cost control while maintaining high-quality output.

The role emphasizes TPS mastery, team leadership, and strong communication to deliver on-time customer service and continuous process enhancements across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field with business experience in Supply Chain/Operations.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership/management.
• Knowledge of Toyota Production System.
• Self-starter, organized, and results-oriented with attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and proactively work to improve plant safety and maintain a safe work environment
• Support and deploy Dana Henderson’s Operating System initiatives through programs including; Black Belt and EIM
• Maintain measurables on team performance and continuous improvement activities to supply customers with on-time deliveries
• Lead efforts to reduce cost and improve efficiency to meet Dana and customer objectives
• Ability to learn and implement all elements of The Dana Operating System (DOS), Lead Kaizen & Zero Defect Teams
• Implement DOS throughout the plant
• Support New Program Projects
• Coordinate Kaizen Projects and Implementations
• Poke-yoke designs and implementations for customer expectations of less than 15 ppm.
• Ability to support, implement, and teach Dana Henderson’s Lean initiatives
• Proactive approach to unplanned downtime
• Cost estimating, cost control and cost savings
• Maintaining facility and production capacity
• Lead and support production activities
• Support Production line improvements as needed
• Continuously support 5S’s program to achieve and maintain world class housekeeping
• Track and improve in process buffer quantities

Skills

Leadership

Lean / process improvement

Communication skills

Team management

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field

5+ years of manufacturing leadership/management

Knowledge of Toyota Production System

Strong report-writing and presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Tools

MS Office

Lotus Notes

Job description

Dana in Gordonsville, TN seeks an experienced manufacturing leader to drive safety, Lean initiatives, and a DOS-based transformation. You will lead Kaizen projects, manage production improvements, and ensure cost control while maintaining high-quality output.

The role emphasizes TPS mastery, team leadership, and strong communication to deliver on-time customer service and continuous process enhancements across the plant.