Lean Improvement Manager - Manufacturing

Lean Improvement Manager

Who we are:

We are currently searching for searching for a Lean Improvement Manager to be based out of Harvey, IL. Reporting to the ABS Director, this person will be responsible for fostering, promoting and deploying the Atkore Business System (ABS) and as a change agent for continuous improvement within the organization.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree and minimum of 7 years of similar work experience in a manufacturing operation. Experience in lean manufacturing or business system-based company as a continuous improvement leader, black belt or similar role is a requirement.

What you’ll do:

• Champion the Facility’s ABS Control Room to sustain the connection between Strategy Deployment, Lean Excellence, and Facility Transformation initiatives.  
• Facilitate lean daily management; develop and lead the path to Gemba.
• Engage with facility leadership to set specific targets to functionally and strategically achieve improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Innovation metrics.
• Develop, facilitate, and lead Value Stream Mapping (VSM) activities, facility strategy deployment planning, and business metrics reviews to identify & prioritize improvement opportunities.

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Engineering (MfgE or IE preferred) or other related functional areas or work experience.
• Minimum of years' experience within a manufacturing operation leading lean and continuous improvement efforts.
• Certified Lean Practitioner or Certified Six Sigma Black Belt strongly preferred.
• Excellent training, coaching, communication, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and technology within Construction, Steel Tube, or Stamping is highly preferred.
• Ability to occasionally travel, as business needs arise.

Within 3 Months you'll:

• Complete the Atkore Onboarding & Immersion program.
• Develop a clear understanding of how your role contributes to Atkore’s overall strategy.
• Begin building strong working relationships with site leadership, support functions, and production teams.
• Familiarize yourself with the plant layout, internal Lean systems, and operating rhythms.
• Participate in scheduled Gemba walks, leadership meetings, and continuous improvement activities.

Within 6 Months, you'll:

• Manage and enhance Key Process Indicators (KPIs) and Targets to Improve (TTI) dashboards aligned to the Strategy Deployment Process.
• Support plant productivity initiatives and transactional waste reduction efforts.
• Provide input and feedback to leadership on process improvement opportunities across all areas of the organization.
• Facilitate process and transactional improvement Kaizen events.
• Identify, establish, and sustain standardized processes across the organization.
• Collect, analyze, and monitor data to prioritize high-impact Kaizen initiatives.
• Actively engage in plant operating rhythms that promote cross-functional communication, opportunity identification, and problem-solving.
• Partner closely with plant team members at all levels to train, coach, and implement Lean methodologies (e.g., LDM, 5S, Kaizen).
• Conduct assessments to evaluate team maturity in Lean tools, concepts, and methodologies. 

Within 12 Months: Define, Collaborate, Execute

• Partner with cross-functional teams to define process capabilities, assess performance gaps, and develop gap closure plans.
• Build and support a robust Continuous Improvement (Kaizen) pipeline, including creating and executing Kaizen charters Facilitating improvement workshops and coaching team leaders on effectiveness.
• Coach, train, and mentor teams in Lean tools and methodologies, including Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Standard Work, 5S, SMED, Lean Daily Management, Gemba, problem-solving, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
• Promote awareness, knowledge, and application of Lean methodologies to support business objectives.
• Establish and sustain standardized processes across the organization.
• Provide functional leadership with guidance and support in applying Lean and Continuous Improvement principles aligned with Atkore Business System (ABS) objectives.
• Deliver training on Lean and Continuous Improvement tools in both office and manufacturing environment

Atkore is a six-time Great Place to Work© certified company and a four-time Top Workplaces USA award winner! We’re committed to creating an engaged, aligned workforce driven by a collaborative culture. Our team strives for breakthrough results and stays focused on being standout leaders. We consistently live the Atkore mission, strategic priorities, and behaviors consistent with our core values.

Join our team and align yourself with an industry leader!

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay for this position is $106,480 - $146,410.  Placement in the range depends on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs and may change over time.  Other compensation may include, but not limited to, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, stock, and other incentives.

Benefits available include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401k
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Any leave required under federal, state, or local law

Benefits are subject to vesting and eligibility requirements.

Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis.

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