Sr. Lean Manager (26163)

NEOTech; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

NEOTech in Carlsbad, CA is seeking a Senior Lean Manager to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing operations, deploying Lean, Six Sigma and Operational Excellence to boost productivity, quality and delivery.

You will lead cross-functional teams, mentor Green/Yellow Belts, implement DMAIC projects, develop standard work, dashboards, and data-driven decision making, ensuring audits and compliance where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5–7 years in Lean Management or continuous improvement roles.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives across production, engineering, quality, and support functions.
• Identify opportunities via data analysis (OEE, FPY, scrap, cycle time).
• Execute Value Stream Mapping and process optimization projects.
• Drive continuous improvement culture and KPI improvements.
• Develop and implement standard work and process controls.
• Lead DMAIC projects to reduce defects and variation.
• Train and mentor Green Belts and Yellow Belts.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

DMAIC

Gemba walks

Data analysis

Coaching & mentorship

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Tools

MES

ERP

Manufacturing analytics tools

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Carlsbad 0NK55 - Carlsbad, CA 92011Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $120,000.00 - $130,000.00 Salary/yearJob Shift: 1st

A Senior Lean Manager responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations to enhance productivity, quality, cost efficiency, and delivery performance. This role leads to the deployment of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence strategies within an EMS environment, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and business objectives. They work cross-functionally to identify inefficiencies, develop strategic improvement plans, and lead teams to deliver sustainable operational enhancements. This leadership role demands expertise in Lean tools, strong analytical abilities, and exceptional coaching and communication skills.

Essential Job Elements

• Lead and implement Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives across production, engineering, quality, and support functions.
• Identify improvement opportunities through data analysis (OEE, FPY, scrap, cycle time, etc.).
• Execute and facilitate Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and process optimization projects.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement at all organizational levels.
• Improve key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Develop and implement standard work, process controls, and best practices.
• Reduce waste in all forms (defects, overproduction, waiting, motion, inventory, transport, over-processing).
• Champion Lean methodologies (5S, SMED, Kanban, Poka-Yoke).
• Lead Six Sigma DMAIC projects to reduce process variation and defects.
• Train and mentor Green Belts, Yellow Belts, and front-line teams.
• Ensure sustainability of improvements through audits and governance.
• Collaborating with Production, NPI, Quality, and Engineering teams to improve processes
• Drive cycle time reduction and line balancing initiatives.
• Support design for manufacturability (DFM) and process capability improvements.
• Promote use of MES, ERP, and manufacturing analytics tools.
• Develop dashboards and performance tracking systems.
• Enable data-driven decision-making across operations.
• Identify and execute cost‑saving projects (labor efficiency, scrap reduction, material optimization).
• Support budgeting and cost improvement targets.
• Lead change management initiatives to sustain operational excellence culture.
• Coach and mentor managers and supervisors in Lean thinking and problem‑solving.
• Promote accountability, engagement, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ensure alignment with industry standards (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949 if applicable).
• Support audits and compliance initiatives.
• Reinforce a strong quality mindset across the organization.

QualificationsJob Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Abilities

• Lead and manage multiple Lean projects simultaneously across various departments.
• Develop, implement, and sustain continuous improvement strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Analyze operational data to identify bottlenecks and areas for waste reduction.
• Conduct Lean training sessions and workshops to educate employees at all levels.
• Facilitate Gemba walks and lead Kaizen events to promote rapid and incremental improvements.
• Collaborate with department heads and cross‑functional teams to integrate Lean methodologies organization‑wide.
• Mentor and coach personnel in Lean tools and problem‑solving techniques.
• Create and maintain comprehensive Lean project documentation and report progress to senior leadership.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness and impact of Lean initiatives.
• Drive cultural change to embed a mindset of continuous improvement within the workforce.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related field or equivalent education and/or years of experience.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in Lean Management or continuous improvement roles.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent is required.
• Proven success leading Lean projects in manufacturing or service industries.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis and process mapping.
• Expert in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and practices as 6S, SMED, Kanban, Kaizen, Standards of Work, Cycle Time, Work Instruction Documentation, Capacity Calculations and Analysis, Line Balancing, Takt Time, PDCA, DMAIC and Manufacturing Layouts.
• Excellent facilitation, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in process improvement software and data analysis tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in dynamic environments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Behavior Competencies

• Adaptability
• Problem Solving, Decision Making and Continuous Improvement
• Initiative, Reliable, Dependable
• Safety & Environmental Awareness / Proactiveness
• Teamwork and Positive Relationships
• Work Standards, Quality & Attention to Details

Benefits Offered: Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage; company-paid basic life/AD&D insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance; voluntary supplemental insurances, flexible spending accounts and employee assistance program (EAP). Sick Leave, Vacation Time, and company‑paid Holidays are also provided as paid time off. NEOTech also provides a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan option with a company match.

NEOTech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

NEOTech has a long‑standing commitment to maintaining a safe, quality‑oriented and productive work environment. We also want all employees to perform their duties safely and efficiently, in a manner that protects their interests and those of their co‑workers. We recognize that alcohol and drug abuse pose a threat to the health and safety of NEOTech employees and to the security of the Company’s equipment and facilities. For these reasons, NEOTech is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace. Candidates being considered for hire must pass a pre‑employment background check and drug test which include screening for illegal drugs and marijuana.