Lean Leader

Wabtec; Maxton (NC); On-site; USD 79,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Annual bonus

Job summary

Wabtec in Maxton, NC seeks a Lean Leader to drive the lean transformation, install standards, and develop lean capabilities across the value stream. The role emphasizes servant leadership, customer focus, capability development, and standard work to deliver improvements.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree (preferred) and 10+ years of manufacturing Lean leadership, with deep TPS knowledge and evidence of coaching high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 10+ years leading Lean and business operating system changes in manufacturing.
• Deep knowledge of Toyota Production System (TPS) principles.
• Hands-on approach to develop Lean capabilities and high-performing teams.
• Strong project and program management experience.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Lean team and plant leadership to strengthen Lean expertise, change management capabilities, problem-solving skills, and continuous improvement execution.
• Develop and execute the site's Lean strategy to improve customer outcomes, including cycle time, on-time delivery, quality, and overall operational performance.
• Serve as a change agent by implementing and sustaining Lean principles, daily management, standard work, and disciplined problem-solving practices throughout plant operations.
• Coach leaders and teams on Lean methodologies and tools, including Hoshin Kanri, Kaizen, A3 problem solving, value stream mapping, Kanban, visual management, flow, pull systems, and standard work.
• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Wabtec Management System (WMS), ensuring compliance with standard processes and fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
• Build organizational capability through rapid improvement cycles that increase engagement, confidence, and the overall pace of change.
• Deliver strategic Lean initiatives and business objectives established by Group Lean Leadership, driving projects to successful completion with minimal oversight.

Skills

Lean leadership

TPS knowledge

Change management

Cross-functional leadership

Coaching

Mentoring

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Friction Product Linedesigns and manufactures high-friction and low-friction composition, sintered brake shoes, specialty shoes, and disc brake linings for freight, locomotive and transit vehicles.

How will you make a difference?

The Lean Leader is responsible for driving the lean transformation, installing standards to sustain process improvements, and supporting leadership to develop the lean capabilities of all team members in the value stream.

What do we want to know about you?

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.


• 10+ years of experience leading Lean and business operating system transformations within manufacturing environments, with demonstrated success driving organizational change across all levels is preferred.


• Deep knowledge of Toyota Production System (TPS) principles, including servant leadership, customer focus, capability development, standard work, pull systems, and problem-solving methodologies.


• Proven ability to lead through influence, coaching, mentoring, and teaching, using a hands‑on approach to develop Lean capabilities and high‑performing teams.


• Strong project and program management experience, including planning, execution, stakeholder alignment, and sustainment of improvement initiatives in matrixed organizations.


• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.


• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional and geographically dispersed teams while motivating, developing, and inspiring others.

What will your typical day look like?

• Lead, coach, and develop the Lean team and plant leadership to strengthen Lean expertise, change management capabilities, problem‑solving skills, and continuous improvement execution.


• Develop and execute the site's Lean strategy to improve customer outcomes, including cycle time, on‑time delivery, quality, and overall operational performance.


• Serve as a change agent by implementing and sustaining Lean principles, daily management, standard work, and disciplined problem‑solving practices throughout plant operations.


• Coach leaders and teams on Lean methodologies and tools, including Hoshin Kanri, Kaizen, A3 problem solving, value stream mapping, Kanban, visual management, flow, pull systems, and standard work.


• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Wabtec Management System (WMS), ensuring compliance with standard processes and fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.


• Build organizational capability through rapid improvement cycles that increase engagement, confidence, and the overall pace of change.


• Deliver strategic Lean initiatives and business objectives established by Group Lean Leadership, driving projects to successful completion with minimal oversight.

What about the physical demands of the job?

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.

Examples

• Regularly lift a minimum of fifty pounds (50lbs).


• Working outside in extreme heat and cold weather.


• Frequently stand, walk, bend, crouch, push and pull.


• Regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and extreme heat (non‑weather).


• Occasionally exposed to airborne particles.


• Travel will be up to 10%

Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $79100-112800. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.