Plant Lean Transformation Lead

Higher Recruitment, Inc.; Neenah (WI); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Higher Recruitment, Inc. is seeking an experienced Operational Excellence Manager for a high-volume Wisconsin manufacturing facility. You will lead Lean transformation, coach teams on 5S, TPM, SMED, and standard work to drive productivity, quality, safety, cost, and throughput.

You will partner with plant leadership, analyze performance data, run Kaizen events, and embed Lean into daily operations while developing leadership capability and sustaining measurable improvements across the operation.

Qualifications

• Must have experience leading Lean transformation with measurable results.
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to connect operational improvements to financial outcomes.
• Experience executing Kaizen events and sustaining improvements.
• Excellent communication and coaching skills across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean and Operational Excellence strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for productivity, waste elimination, and process optimization.
• Lead Kaizen events from opportunity to results validation and sustainment.
• Coach Lean methodologies across plant leadership, engineers, and frontline staff.
• Partner with leadership to ensure Lean activities drive measurable business outcomes.

Skills

Lean leadership

Change management

Cross-functional influence

Data-driven decisions

Coaching & development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

5+ years manufacturing leadership experience

Job description

Higher Recruitment, Inc. is seeking an experienced Operational Excellence Manager for a high-volume Wisconsin manufacturing facility. You will lead Lean transformation, coach teams on 5S, TPM, SMED, and standard work to drive productivity, quality, safety, cost, and throughput.

You will partner with plant leadership, analyze performance data, run Kaizen events, and embed Lean into daily operations while developing leadership capability and sustaining measurable improvements across the operation.