Lean Manager (Vulcanic)

Chromalox; Cary (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Chromalox (Electrical Thermal Solutions) seeks a Lean Manager to drive Continuous Improvement and develop the Operational Excellence framework across the Americas. This role will embed Lean principles, identify process improvements, and deliver measurable gains across manufacturing sites.

You will lead CI workshops, coach site teams, and collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain to achieve end-to-end improvements. Travel within the Americas is required, 1–2 times/month.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools (SMED, 5S, VSM, root cause analysis, standard work).
• Experience leading CI workshops and engaging cross-functional teams.
• Ability to operate at a GOLD level within CI standards with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Hands-on, practical approach with the ability to work strategically and on the shop floor.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and deployment of the Operational Excellence framework across Americas sites, ensuring alignment with global standards.
• Apply Lean principles to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve process performance.
• Deliver and support GOLD-level Continuous Improvement activities per CI standards, with ongoing development toward higher levels.
• Facilitate and lead CI workshops (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 including changeover (SMED) improvement exercises.
• Coach and train site teams in Lean tools and CI methodologies to build internal capability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver end-to-end improvements and share best practices.
• Own the CI savings delivery for the ETS Americas, track and validate savings against forecasted targets.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

SMED

5S

VSM

Root cause analysis

Standard work

CI workshops

Change management

Communication

Bilingual (Spanish, French, German)

Job description

Lean Manager (Vulcanic)

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.

Durex Industries has over 40 years' expertise in the thermal control business. A trusted custom thermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers across a range of industry sectors, it also offers engineering, manufacturing, testing and laboratory and quality assurance services.

Durex serves businesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plastics processing, food and packaging, aerospace, defense, and security. Its innovative bespoke solutions - such as retrofitting heating elements to prevent outdoor beverage dispensers from failing in low temperatures and custom-made circulation heaters to heat fuel in large ship engines.

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 functionsProvide 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 mindset
• Comfortable working across multiple sites and cultures
• Able to balance strategic framework development with hands-on execution
• Strong problem-solving capability with attention to detail
• Strong communication skills
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish, French, German)

Development:

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

Pay Rate: $100,000 - $150,000

At Durex, 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.

Our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, ensuring that no individual is mistreated 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.