VTPS Lead

Edwards Vacuum; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Variable Compensation Bonus

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k with Company Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Time

Paid Floating Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Training and Development

Parental Leave

Disability Benefits

Life and AD&D Insurance

Job summary

Edwards Vacuum in Buffalo, NY is seeking a VTPS Lead (Lean/Operational Excellence Manager) to deploy the Vacuum Technique Production System and lead cross-functional teams across the Genesee site. This role focuses on driving efficiency, reducing waste, and delivering measurable improvements in production performance.

The candidate will have a university degree in engineering/science, 10+ years of experience including 5 years in operational excellence, and strong leadership, communication, and

Qualifications

• University degree in engineering/science discipline.
• Strong background in lean manufacturing and operational excellence.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and implementing production systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead deployment of Vacuum Technique Production System (VTPS) into PC Genesee.
• Lead cross-functional teams in PC-wide initiatives to achieve world-class manufacturing.
• Deliver VTPS cost savings through targeted business transformation projects aligned to strategy.
• Coach and promote a culture of continuous improvement using Lean tools (value stream mapping, Kaizen, 6S, standard work).
• Provide coaching and leadership for improving end-to-end value streams with process owners.
• Develop and deliver training to build continuous improvement capability.
• Support safety, quality, and environmental compliance in VTPS.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Project planning

Communication skills

Leadership

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor/Master in engineering/science

Tools

SAP

MS Project

Job description

The ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employees or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Location and compensation

• Buffalo, NY * Be part of an exciting journey as we prepare for production at our new facility in the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP).
• Edwards Genesee location address: 6685 Crosby Rd Basom, NY 14013
• Salary Range: $89,590 - $111,990

Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on several factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location.

The VTPS Lead (Lean/Operational Excellence Manager) is responsible for the creation, maintenance, and delivery of the Vacuum Technique Production System into the Operational area in PC Genesee. They must provide visible leadership, guidance, training and mentoring to the team, driving improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, and control to deliver world class manufacturing.

Lean manufacturing is the process of making businesses more efficient and effective by getting employees to work smarter. This process includes keeping workplaces orderly, maximising the quality in which products are built, utilizing visual management, eliminating unnecessary inventory, and simplifying, according to Lean Transformation. The ultimate goal of a lean transformation is to both increase worker productivity and also increase worker happiness by reducing the amount of work that employees have to do.

• Plan and lead the deployment of Vacuum Technique Production System (VTPS) into PC Genesee, developing a roadmap, plan, and execution strategy.
• Lead and engage cross functional teams in the deployment of PC wide initiatives to drive us to world class manufacturing.
• Deliver tangible VTPS cost savings through targeted, controlled and efficiently delivered business transformation projects in line with the business strategy.
• Coach, direct, and promote a culture of continuous improvement utilising Lean principles (Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 6S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, Single Piece Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, Root Cause Problem Solving, etc.).
• Provide coaching and leadership for improving the end-to-end value streams, working with the functional process owners.
• Develop and implement training courses to different audiences to build continuous improvement capability and develop our people according to skill matrix evaluation.
• Support internal and external safety, quality and environmental compliance through introduction, management and regular review of processes and procedures in the VTPS area.

To succeed, you will need

The ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employees or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Education Level

University degree (Bachelor/Masters) in related engineering/science discipline

Relevant previous experience

Minimum 10 yrs post qualification of which 5 yrs operational excellence (production) + 2 yrs project planning undertaking manufacturing product support, product and process introduction projects.

Experience Of Operating Internationally Is Essential.

Recognized operational excellence qualification (Six Sigma, Lean, Shingo,…)

Able to operate at senior level, including Director / ELT level.

Strong communication skills, organizational awareness and impact and influencing skills are a prerequisite.

Knowledge of quality and production systems. TPS, Lean manufacturing knowledge, Quality systems, Vision setting passionate, energizing, tenacious, clear thinking, innovative, methodical, self-motivating, communicative.

Knowledge of HVAC, electrical and mechanical equipment used in building and production facilities.

Language skills

Highly proficient in English (Written and speaking), daily conversation & technical, telecommunication

Other Skills And Knowledge

EPS, Lean Manufacturing knowledge, MFG Eng,(Method, Time, production layout)

Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, orientation in modern IT structures and processes. SAP, MS project highly desirable.

The position will require regular global travel to support business needs

Personal skills

Clear thinking, innovative, methodical, detailed, self disciplined, works successfully with others, directs the activities of others, and operates effectively under pressure

Physical demands

• Sitting/Stationary Positioning: Remains in a seated position frequently (about 40-50% of the time) for tasks such as designing, analyzing data, or using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Hand and Finger Use/Dexterity: Uses hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls occasionally to moderately (30-40% of the time), with manual dexterity and arm-hand steadiness for tasks like sketching, operating computers, or handling small tools; near vision required for detailed drawings or screens.
• Standing/Walking: Traverses moderate distances or remains in an upright stationary position frequently (30-40% of the time) to inspect production lines, collaborate with teams, or evaluate equipment on the shop floor.
• Moving Objects/Lifting/Carrying: Occasionally moves, transports, or positions objects weighing up to 20 pounds, such as tools, prototypes, or materials, during inspections or testing; requires minimal to moderate exertion for pushing or pulling equipment.
• Bending/Twisting/Reaching: Positions self by bending, twisting, or stretching the body occasionally (20-30% of the time) to access equipment, inspect machinery, or reach workstations; moderate flexibility needed.
• Repetitive Motions: Performs repetitive actions occasionally (20-30% of the time), such as typing or adjusting equipment, requiring sustained focus but minimal stamina compared to manual labor roles.
• Other Environmental Factors: Frequently exposed to moderate noise levels (e.g., machinery, production environments) and occasionally to contaminants or hazardous equipment (20-30% of the time); may wear protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses, hard hats, or hearing protection) when on the shop floor (30-50% of the time); works in both office and manufacturing settings with constant interaction with others.

Benefits Summary

• Annual Variable Compensation Bonus
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k with Company Match
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Floating Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Training and Development
• Parental Leave
• Disability Benefits
• Life and AD&D Insurance

What You Can Expect From Us

• Excellent working conditionsand benefits.
• Part of the Atlas Copco Group with a wide-reaching internal job market.
• Work in a global, diverse and dynamic environment.
• You can grow with us: we always look for internal candidates before checking the market and have training and development programs.
• We have a friendly, family-like atmosphere – and that is not just a claim on the wall, it’s a true fact.
• You can be creative and promote your own ideas.
• Every day brings new challenges and new things to learn.

We're an Equal Opportunity Employer

Edwards Company considers for employment and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law, and as such affirms in policy and practice to support and