Lean Program Manager

Freudenberg Group; Bristol (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Freudenberg Group in Bristol, USA, seeks a senior Lean/Continuous Improvement leader to drive transformation initiatives that improve flow, reduce waste, and raise efficiency across the site.

You will plan Kaizen events, own projects end-to-end, and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority, building a culture of continuous improvement and measurable cost savings.

Qualifications

• Experience leading projects or initiatives with clear, measurable outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and drive results without close supervision.
• Ability to lead and influence teams without formal authority.
• Hands-on experience with Lean manufacturing, Kaizen, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong facilitation, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred (or willingness to obtain Black Belt within 15 months).

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute Lean transformation initiatives focused on improving flow, reducing waste, and increasing operational efficiency.
• Plan, facilitate, and follow up on Kaizen events that deliver measurable and sustainable results.
• Own projects end-to-end, ensuring timelines, outcomes, and impact are clearly defined and achieved.
• Influence and align cross-functional teams without direct authority to drive change.
• Build urgency and energy around continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.
• Track, analyze, and communicate performance improvements, including cost savings and operational gains.
• Develop and deliver training to build Lean capability and continuous improvement mindset across the site.

Skills

Leadership

Independent working

Influencing without authority

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Lean or Six Sigma certification (preferred or willingness to obtain Black Belt within 15 months)

Job description

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute Lean transformation initiatives focused on improving flow, reducing waste, and increasing operational efficiency.
• Plan, facilitate, and follow up on Kaizen events that deliver measurable and sustainable results.
• Own projects end-to-end, ensuring timelines, outcomes, and impact are clearly defined and achieved.
• Influence and align cross-functional teams without direct authority to drive change.
• Build urgency and energy around continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.
• Track, analyze, and communicate performance improvements, including cost savings and operational gains.
• Develop and deliver training to build Lean capability and continuous improvement mindset across the site.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience leading projects or initiatives with clear, measurable outcomes.
• Strong self-starter with the ability to work independently and drive results without close supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence teams without formal authority.
• Hands‑on experience with Lean manufacturing, Kaizen, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong facilitation, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred (or willingness to obtain Black Belt within 15 months).

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership