Lean Manager (ETS)

Durex Industries, Inc.; Cary (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Chromalox is seeking a Lean Manager to drive Continuous Improvement and embed the OpEx framework across the Americas. You will lead and coach cross‑functional teams, applying Lean methods to reduce waste and improve performance across manufacturing sites.

The role requires hands-on leadership, global standards alignment, and the ability to travel within the Americas (1–2 times per month) to support sites and deliver measurable savings.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools (SMED, 5S, VSM, root cause analysis, standard work).
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading CI workshops and engaging cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and deployment of the Operational Excellence framework across Americas sites, aligning with global standards.
• Apply Lean principles to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve process performance.
• Deliver and support GOLD-level Continuous Improvement activities and progress toward higher levels.
• Facilitate CI workshops (Kaizen, value stream mapping, problem solving) to drive improvements.
• Identify and execute process improvement initiatives across manufacturing and support functions.
• Provide hands-on support, including leading or supporting SHSME/SMED changeover efforts.
• Coach site teams in Lean tools and CI methodologies to build internal capability.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, supply chain to deliver end-to-end improvements.
• Support standardization and best practice sharing across sites.
• Own CI savings delivery for the ETS Americas and validate savings.
• Participate in weekly meetings to review CI updates and OPEX maturity.

Skills

Lean principles

SMED

5S

VSM

Root cause analysis

Standard work

Cross-functional teams

Bilingual

Job description

Lean Manager (ETS)Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and temperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems, heat tracing, and a range of component technologies.At Chromalox, we build advanced thermal technologies for the world's most challenging industrial heating applications.Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we got our start with an innovative solution 100 years ago when a self-taught engineer invented the first metal-sheathed resistance heating element. It was this then-advanced thermal technology that launched an entire industry. We excel in industries that have high expectations. We are acknowledged as experts at delivering solutions that exceed specifications, limit risk, and reduce operating costs.Join us as we continue to provide solutions to our customers and the world!

The Role

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.

Your 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.

Requirements

• 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 mindsetComfortable working across multiple sites and culturesAble to balance strategic framework development with hands‑on executionStrong problem‑solving capability with attention to detailStrong communication skillsBilingual preferred (Spanish, French, German)

Development

• Opportunity to progress to higher levels within the CI framework through training and practical applicationExposure 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 neededTravel within the Americas is required (1-2 times/month)

Pay Rate

$100,000 - $150,000

At Chromalox, we are not just an employer but a champion of equal opportunities and inclusivity. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that adheres to the highest hiring standards and is free from discrimination and harassment. Chromalox is an equal opportunity employer; our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, ensuring that no individual is mistreated or discriminated against based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.