Lean Manager (Vulcanic)

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

Job summary

Chromalox is seeking a Continuous Improvement leader to drive the Operational Excellence framework across the Americas. You will embed Lean principles, identify opportunities, and deliver measurable performance gains across manufacturing sites.

You will lead or support CI workshops, coordinate with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams, and champion standardization and best practices across sites. Travel within the Americas is required.

Qualifications

• Experience leading CI workshops and engaging cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to implement Lean tools to reduce waste and improve process performance.

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 in line with internal CI standards, and develop toward higher levels.
• Facilitate CI workshops (Kaizen, value stream mapping, root cause solving) to drive sustainable improvements.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement initiatives across manufacturing and support functions.
• Provide hands‑on support to sites, including leading or supporting 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 across sites.
• Own CI savings delivery for the ETS Americas and track savings against forecasts.
• Attend weekly meetings with the Manufacturing Engineering Manager to review CI updates and OPEX maturity.

Skills

Lean principles

CI workshops

Stakeholder engagement

Strong communication

Bilingual

Tools

SMED

5S

VSM

Root cause analysis

Standard work

Job description

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 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

Equal Opportunity

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.