Position Summary
The Lean Leader role is an onsite role based in Metamora, OH and reports to the Division Lean Manager. Partners closely with plant leadership, value stream managers, engineering, quality, supply chain, and frontline teams to deploy and sustain Lean practices.
The Plant Lean Leader champions and drives Lean transformation at the plant level aligned with Parker's WIN Strategy. This role leads value-stream-based continuous improvement to eliminate waste across manufacturing, office, and support functions; builds site capability through training and coaching; and embeds Lean ownership within plant leadership to ensure long-term sustainability. Progress is measured and communicated using Lean maturity assessments, site scorecards, and key financial/operational performance metrics.
Responsibilities
- Drive plant-wide Lean strategy execution aligned to the WIN Strategy, ensuring clear priorities, governance, and measurable outcomes.
- Train, coach, and mentor associates and leaders in Lean fundamentals, problem-solving, standard work, and daily management to create a self-sustaining CI culture.
- Ensures that HPT steering committees and teams are established at the location and are implementing the Lean principles, techniques, and methodologies according to Corporate requirements.
- Makes implementation and results a top priority and regularly updates the Plant's Lean implementation plan. Empowers every employee in the Plant through positive reinforcement of Lean.
- Provides effective change management, leadership, and optimization in implementing the corporate WIN strategy across the Plant. Serves as a catalyst for successful and sustained lean implementation.
- Provides high level of technical and operational recommendations in meeting material control, product quality and customer service goals. Supports coaching and teaching of lean principles through the use of outside resources.
- Maintain ongoing Lean education plans for all plant functions; ensure standard work and documented processes support sustainability and auditing.
- Works with all operating disciplines by using value stream management to develop a master plan of meeting the goals of Lean.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
- 1-3 years of hands‑on manufacturing/operations experience with demonstrated initiative and a practical, shop‑floor‑oriented approach.
- Working knowledge of Lean principles and tools (value stream transformation, JIT, flow, 5S, visual management, pull systems, standard work, problem solving).
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Working knowledge of Lean principles and tools (value stream transformation, JIT, flow, 5S, visual management, pull systems, standard work, problem solving).
- Experience participating in multiple Lean events across manufacturing, engineering, and/or support functions.
- Strong analytical capability, including understanding of operational and financial performance measures.
- Strong communication and facilitation skills to lead cross‑functional teams and influence at all levels.
Pay, Benefits, Work Schedule
Parker offers competitive benefit programs, including:
- Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and critical illness insurance with competitive premium cost.
- 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay.
- Company provided defined‑contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay.
- Career development and tuition reimbursement.
- Other benefits including paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability programs, adoption assistance, a Care.com membership and financial planning assistance are provided at no cost to you.
- Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness are available at competitive rates.
- Paid Time Off and Company‑Paid Holidays.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affidavit Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. However, U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency or other appropriate status is required for certain positions, in accord with U.S. import & export regulations. (Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / VEVRAA Federal Contractor)
If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Drug Tests
In accordance with Parker's policies and applicable state laws, Parker provides for a drug‑free workplace. Therefore, all applicants seeking employment with Parker will be subject to drug testing as a condition of employment.