Lean Manufacturing Leader: Drive Process Excellence

Piovan; Franklin (Venango County); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

401(k) with company match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance

Job summary

PiovanGroup in Franklin, PA is seeking a Lean Manufacturing Manager to lead continuous improvement, embed lean principles, and drive process optimization across operations. You will champion waste elimination and cost reduction while fostering a culture of measurable improvements.

The role requires 5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma, Kanban experience, cross‑functional leadership, and strong data analysis. You will manage projects, develop SOPs, track KPIs, and align lean initiatives with business goals,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Engineering, Business, Operations, or similar.
• 5+ years in lean manufacturing, process improvement, or operations leadership.
• Proficiency with lean methodologies/tools (5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, Six Sigma).

Responsibilities

• Lead lean transformation projects and cross-functional initiatives.
• Conduct value stream mapping and identify wasteful activities.
• Train and coach teams on lean tools and culture.
• Develop SOPs and standardize best practices.
• Track KPIs and present results to senior management.
• Manage projects, equipment installations, and facility expansions within budget and timeline.
• Improve workplace organization and 5S implementation.

Skills

5S

Kaizen

Six Sigma

Kanban

ERP

Process mapping

Lean Six Sigma Green/Black belt

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business/Operations

Tools

Visio

Minitab

Job description

Conair, part of the PiovanGroup, is a leading producer of auxiliary equipment for the plastics processing industry. We make and market over 450 different products, including resin-drying systems, blenders, feeders and material-conveying systems, temperature-control equipment and granulators. Extrusion solutions include gravimetric control systems, film and sheet scrap-reclaim systems and downstream equipment for pipe and profile extrusion. Conair is also a leader in plastics process integration, engineering and installing complete manufacturing systems that help plastics processors manage their valuable raw materials, handle their critical manufactured parts, and improve their process yield.

Position: Lean Manufacturing Manager

Location: Franklin, PA

Role

We’re seeking a results-driven Lean Manager/Project Manager to join our team at Conair.

As an integral team member, you will lead our continuous improvement initiatives and embed lean principles across our operations. In this role, you will drive process optimization, eliminate waste, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate possesses excellent problem-solving skills and has a proven track record in implementing lean methodologies to achieve measurable results.

If you are passionate about process optimization and have the expertise to drive lean transformations, we invite you to apply for the position. We offer a dynamic and collaborative environment and opportunities for career growth and development.

Objectives of this role

• Conducting value stream mapping to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Developing, implementing, and sustaining lean transformation strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Leading cross-functional teams to implement process improvement projects.
• Training and coaching employees on lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and Kanban.
• Analyzing data to monitor and measure the impact of lean initiatives and presenting results to stakeholders.
• Establishing and monitoring KPIs to track continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborating with leadership to prioritize improvement opportunities and allocate resources.
• Optimize the facility to best meet the needs of lean manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management: Lead projects, equipment installations, and facility expansions on time and within budget.
• Conduct detailed process analyses of current workflows to identify waste, operational inefficiencies, and alignment with lean principles.
• Facilitate workshops, training, and brainstorming sessions on lean tools and frameworks.
• Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices across departments based on lean principles.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess process improvement success and present them to senior management.
• Support the development of a strategic roadmap for lean transformation and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented changes.
• Work to improve workplace organization and operational efficiency, including 5S implementation.
• Aligning with management to integrate lean initiatives with business objectives and customer needs.
• Lead Kaizen events to promote small, incremental changes across teams.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in lean management.

Duties and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, Operations, or similar.
• 5+ years of experience as a lean manager or in a similar role in process improvement, operations leadership, process optimization, or lean management.
• Proficiency in process improvement frameworks and lean methodologies/tools like 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, and Six Sigma.
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black belt preferred
• Experience with ERP systems and process mapping software with a solid understanding of their role in process optimization.
• Hands-on experience in project and change management with a track record of delivering measurable results.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities to influence teams and stakeholders.
• A results-driven mindset with a focus on measurable outcomes.
• Strong commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with manufacturing, logistics, or service industry workflows.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Relevant certification in Six Sigma (Green Belt/Black Belt) or Lean Management.
• Proficiency in process mapping software and tools (e.g., Visio, Minitab).
• Knowledge of agile methodologies or frameworks.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Strong facilitation skills for conducting workshops and Kaizen events.
• Strong leadership skills to drive organizational change and engage teams.
• Knowledge of data analytics tools to measure and interpret performance metrics.

PiovanGroup offers an outstanding compensation and benefits package including profit sharing, bonus plans, 401(k) with company match, medical insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, health club reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance, and employee referral bonus program.

PiovanGroup is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and offers employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement), veteran status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, HIV-positive status, possession of the sickle cell trait, genetic characteristics, political views, and any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.