Lean Transformation Lead – Manufacturing Excellence

Freudenberg; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Freudenberg is seeking a results-driven Lean/CI leader to drive operational excellence in its Massachusetts manufacturing operations. You will lead complex improvement projects from opportunity to sustainment, coaching teams and shaping daily management, standard work and visual controls.

Responsibilities include planning Kaizen events, value stream mappings, and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain to deliver measurable, sustained impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations and Lean/CI.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects from problem identification through implementation and sustainment.
• Hands-on knowledge of Lean practices, Kaizen, value stream mapping, standard work, 5S, root-cause analysis, visual management, and Six Sigma/DMAIC.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and influencing skills to drive change across functions.
• Strong analytical and business acumen to prioritize opportunities using data.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean transformation initiatives across manufacturing operations to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and overall operational performance.
• Plan and facilitate Kaizen events, value stream improvements, and structured problem solving with measurable, sustainable results.
• Own high-impact improvement projects from opportunity identification through implementation with KPIs, financial impact, and sustainment plans.
• Partner across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other functions to solve complex operational challenges and influence change without direct authority.
• Strengthen operational discipline through Lean practices including daily management, standard work, visual management, 5S, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement systems.
• Build Lean capability by coaching leaders and employees, delivering training, and creating accountability for continuous improvement.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Project leadership

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Facilitation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

Kaizen methodology

Value stream mapping

5S

Root-cause analysis

Six Sigma/DMAIC

Visual management

Job description

Freudenberg is seeking a results-driven Lean/CI leader to drive operational excellence in its Massachusetts manufacturing operations. You will lead complex improvement projects from opportunity to sustainment, coaching teams and shaping daily management, standard work and visual controls.

Responsibilities include planning Kaizen events, value stream mappings, and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain to deliver measurable, sustained impact.